SALINA, Kan. — The Southwestern College men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon at JRI Stadium. Despite outshooting the Coyotes 16-10, the Moundbuilders were unable to capitalize on their offensive opportunities.
With the loss, Southwestern moves to 5-10-1 overall and 5-6-1 in KCAC play. The Moundbuilders currently sit in seventh place in the conference standings heading into the final week of the regular season, with the top eight teams qualifying for the KCAC Conference Tournament.
The two teams battled through a scoreless opening half, with Southwestern holding a 5-3 advantage in shots. Kansas Wesleyan broke through in the 51st minute when Juan Manuel Lozada Leon scored off an assist from Jose Caballero to give the Coyotes a 1-0 lead.
Southwestern increased its offensive pressure in the second half, recording 11 shots while searching for the equalizer. Zach Hammar led the Moundbuilders with five shots, including two on goal, while Francesco Rocchelli and Bernabe Lopez each added three attempts.
Despite the offensive effort, Kansas Wesleyan extended its lead in the 80th minute when Lozada Leon scored his second goal of the afternoon off an assist from Jose Valdez, securing the 2-0 victory.
Southwestern finished with a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks, while both teams recorded five shots on goal. Moundbuilder goalkeeper Franco Guazzotti played all 90 minutes and finished with three saves.
The loss leaves Southwestern in seventh place in the KCAC standings as the Moundbuilders enter the final week of regular-season play looking to secure a spot in the conference tournament.
Southwestern will return home to face Hesston College on Tuesday, Oct. 27, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield, Kansas.
