Kenosha, Wis. – The No. 20 Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team fell 2-1 on Thursday afternoon at Carthage in the Bears' 2022 season opening match.
 
WashU wasted no time breaking the scoreless tie, as Owen Culver struck a ball on an unassisted goal from 20 yards out to give WU a 1-0 edge just over five minutes into the match.
 
Culver, who was the 2021 UAA Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-UAA selection, was tied for first in goals last season (8).
 
Carthage tried to maximize on its opportunities later on in the half, but the Bears' defense held steady, holding off the Firebirds' attack.
 
However, late in the first half, Carthage took advantage of a WashU foul just outside the edge of the box and scored on the free kick attempt that landed in the upper left corner to tie up the contest at 1-1 heading into halftime.
 
Both teams were even in the shot's column in the opening 45 minutes, placing six shots each. WU placed three on-goal, with Culver notching two shots- on-goal.
 
In the second half of the action, WashU struggled to maintain possession and its opportunities were limited with the Bears firing off just one shot.
 
The Bears' only look in the half came from Carl Vestberg, whose shot attempt was saved by Carthage's keeper in the 51^st minute.
 
In the 59^th minute, the Firebirds scored the go-ahead goal, scoring on a shot inside the box to put Carthage ahead for good 2-1.
 
Carthage completed the contest outshooting the Bears 9-7, while WU held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks but were unable to capitalize.
 
WashU will stay on the road for its next game and will matchup with Rose-Hulman on Sunday afternoon in Terre Haute, Ind. at 2:30 p.m.