ALLIANCE, Ohio (September 1, 2021) – The Denison University men's soccer team scored two goals in a 1:25 span late in the second half, but it would not be enough for the Big Red to overcome a three-goal deficit as they fell 3-2 in their 2021 season opener at the University of Mount Union.

The first half only featured seven total shots between the two teams and led to a narrow 1-0 lead at halftime for the Raiders.

In the second half, Denison (0-1) outshot Mount Union (1-0) 10-5 but still found itself behind 3-0 after back-to-back goals by the Raiders' Ryland Wikle less than eight minutes into the second half.

From there, Denison outshot Mount Union 9-3 over the final 37 minutes of action. However, it would take until the final eight minutes to put one into the back of the net as Stuart Windell scored the first goal of the year for the Big Red off the assist from Luca Vicinelli in the 83rd minute. 

Quickly following Windell's goal, the Big Red found another goal in the 84th minute. This time, Henry Schwartz assisted the goal by Ethan Miracle to make it only a one-goal deficit. Despite back-to-back goals and a final shot attempt by Lucas Lilley in the 85th minute, Denison fell 3-2 in its season opener.

"We are obviously disappointed with our performance tonight and did not do ourselves any favors with how we managed key moments in the match," said Head Coach Brandon Bianco. "Give credit to Mount Union who played a great match and give credit to our group for being resilient and finding a way to put ourselves in a position to still get a result at the end. We look forward to learning form tonight and getting better for the weekend."

Next up for Denison will be its 2021 home opener as the Big Red host Muskingum University at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, on Barclay-Thomsen Field.