CHICKASHA, Okla. — Southwestern College struck first but couldn't hold on in its men's soccer season opener, falling 3-1 to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Saturday night at McLaughlin Field.
Senior midfielder Connor Inlow gave the Moundbuilders an early spark, scoring just 52 seconds into the match for a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper KJ Masso kept the advantage intact with several early saves, finishing with eight stops on the night.
USAO (1-0) found the equalizer in the 34th minute on a goal from Matija Malenovic. The Drovers pulled ahead in the 53rd minute when Fernando Espinal scored, and Southwestern's comeback hopes dimmed after a red card in the 66th minute left the visitors down a man. Malenovic added his second goal in the 83rd to seal the result.
Southwestern (0-1) was outshot 19-7 overall and 11-2 in shots on target. Masso played all 90 minutes in goal for the Builders.
The Moundbuilders return home Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Central Christian College (Kan.) at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
