OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha men's soccer concluded its preseason with a 2-1 shoot-out win over Marquette on Saturday at Caniglia Field in the South Omaha Classic.
Marquette held a slight advantage in shots, 9-7, but Omaha managed more shots on goal, 4-3. UNO also recorded a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks for the contest.
The Mavericks' goal came in the 2nd minute when Seth Rinderknecht's throw in found Mark Moulton's head. Moulton was able to redirect the throw into the upper corner of the near post to put Omaha ahead, 1-0.
Marquette had its first scoring opportunity in the 10th minute, but Luka Prpa's header sailed wide.
In the 31st minute, the Golden Eagles pulled Denzel Woods down in the penalty area resulting in a penalty kick. Elvir Ibisevic stepped up to take the penalty kick, but Marquette's Mac Wheeler was able to deflect Ibisevic's shot.
Omaha's lead would stand until the 56th minute when Prpa connected for a goal to tie the game.
The game finished in a 1-1 tie with both defenses playing strong down the stretch.
At the end of regulation, the two head coaches agreed to have a shootout with each team taking five penalty kicks. Marquette's Diego Nunez converted his first penalty kick. The first kick from Omaha was good from Ibisevic.
For the second round of PK's, Prpa's shot was good. Jacob Weiler's shot found the back of the net.
The third round of kicks saw Marquette convert its kick. Fazlo Alihodzic's shot hit the post but crossed the goal line.
The next round of penalties split. Marquette's Jan Maertins shot in the fourth round glanced off the right post and out of play. Omaha's Joseph Ghitis powered his shot into the back of the net to put Omaha ahead.
In the final round, Danny Jarosz made his shot. Omaha's next attempt determined the game, and it was up to Cole Nelson. The kick was good, and the Mavericks secured the shootout win, 5-4.
Omaha will open the regular season next weekend with two games. They will host San Francisco on Friday night at 6 p.m. followed by a road contest at UConn at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
