DECATUR, Ill. - After scoring in the 24th minute, the Washington University men's soccer team dropped its non-conference match against Millikin University, Saturday, Sept. 16. A Big Blue penalty kick with just 10 seconds remaining in the first half proved to be the game-winner as Millikin came out victorious, 2-1. With the setback, WashU's record sits at 2-2-1, while MU's record upped to 4-1-1.  

 

The Bears outshot the Big Blue by a final tally of 13-7. WashU landed eight shots on frame, while MU was credited with four. 

 

With both teams trying to set the pace, neither team recorded a shot in the first 15 minutes of action. 

 

WashU's first chance came in the 17th minute. Senior Owen Culver got the ball a few yards outside of the 18-yard box, took a dribble, and fired a bullet of a shot that sailed over the frame to warrant a Big Blue goal kick. 

 

The Bears tallied the first goal in the 24th minute. Junior Joseph Hipskind took possession of the ball inside of the box, made a move and saw senior John Daniels lurking in the corner of the 18-yard box. Off the pass from Hipskind, Daniels launched a line-drive shot which found the back of the net to give WashU the lead, 1-0. The goal marked Daniels' third of the year and Hipskind recorded his second helper.  

 

Millikin tied the match, 1-1, just three minutes later on a nifty through ball.  

 

Sophomore Peter Radovich had a chance in the 38th minute, but the Big Blue keeper swallowed up the shot to keep the score tied at 1-1. 

 

With just under three minutes left until the intermission, Millikin earned a free kick just beyond the 18-yard box. The free kick clanked off of the Bear wall and sailed harmlessly up the pitch.  

 

After a flurry of offensive action by the Big Blue, WashU was whistled for a foul in the box with 10 seconds remaining in the first. MU's penalty kick try was successful as Millikin took the 2-1 lead heading into the break. 

 

In the first 45, both teams were credited with five shots. WashU tallied four shots on goal, while MU recorded three. Culver was credited with a trio of shots (two on frame) in the opening 45. 

 

Junior Landon Green laced a shot on goal in the 53rd minute, but the MU keeper scooped up the chance to preserve the 2-1 cushion.  

 

Off of a corner kick in the 60th minute, senior Christopher Alwang's header dinged off the crossbar and was eventually cleared by the Big Blue defense to thwart the opportunity. With 30 minutes left in the contest, MU held the 2-1 advantage. 

 

WashU had a prime chance for the equalizer in the 78th minute. Green received the ball inside of the box, settled, and launched a shot. The shot was placed high center of the frame and the Millikin keeper jumped at the last minute to deflect the ball. The Big Blue owned the slim, 2-1, cushion with just 10 minutes left to play. 

 

WashU's comeback efforts were thwarted by the Big Blue defense as MU topped the Bears by a final score of 2-1. 

 

Culver garnered four shots (two on frame), while Alwang notched three shots (two on frame). Green and Hipskind each assembled a pair of shots in the contest.  

 

The Bears tallied eight second half shots, compared to Millikin's two.  

 

WashU will host No. 25 North Park University, Wednesday, Sept. 20 in an afternoon contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Francis Olympic Field.