The Denison men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the 2013 season on Saturday when they dropped a 2-1 decision to Allegheny in their North Coast Athletic Conference opener in Meadville, Pa.

Despite outshooting the Gators 8-5 in the opening period, the Big Red found themselves on the wrong side of a 1-0 score at the intermission.  Allegheny broke up the scoreless tie in the 38th minute when they capitalized on a Denison foul in the box.  The Gators' Keith Danley buried the penalty kick attempt at 37:33 to give the home team a 1-0 edge.

In the second half, Allegheny quickly doubled its lead when Zach Stryker found Cameron Olson for his fourth goal of the season in the 53rd minute.  Denison continued to pepper Gator goalie John Lichina, but the senior keeper was up to the task.  At 83:48, Allegheny was whistled for an infraction in the box that set DU up with a penalty kick attempt.  Like the Gators, Denison took advantage of the PK attempt when junior Mark Waterman scored to cut the deficit in half.

With five seconds to play, Waterman had one last chance to tie the match, but a save by Lichina secured Allegheny's first league win of the season.

Denison held a commanding 22-7 advantage in shots, including a 13-5 edge in shots on net.  DU also attempted eight corners compared to just two by Allegheny.  Waterman unloaded a game-high 11 shots, including eight on goal, while Evan Porter had three of his six attempts land on target.  Senior goalie Matt Wagner made three stops, while Lichina logged 12 saves in the victory.

Denison falls to 7-1-2 on the year and 0-1 in the NCAC, while the Gators improve to 6-2-2 and 1-0 in conference play.  DU returns to the pitch on Friday when they host Hiram at 7:30 p.m.