MORRIS, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris Men's Soccer team fell 4-1 to the Carroll University Pioneers in their first match of the season. The Pioneers commanded possession of the ball, making it difficult for the Cougars to put pressure on the goal.

The Cougars started out the game with smooth execution of play, ending in a goal scored by Aaron Mackall assisted by Cooper Jones less than 1 minute into the game. Unfortunately, this would be the only goal scored for the Cougars. Motivated by the Cougar's lead, Carroll pushed the ball into their offensive zone, maintaining possession and taking shot after shot on Nick Isensee in the net for Minnesota Morris. After fifteen shots in the first half, the Pioneers managed to get on the board with a penalty kick in the 44th minute that went just past the gloves of Isensee. 

Tied up 1-1, Carroll started the second half on the offensive, once again hammering the Cougar's defensive zone and daring them to stop the Pioneers. The Minnesota Morris defenders battled right back, not allowing Carroll a goal from the eight shots they took. In the 55th minute of play, the Pioneers snuck the ball past Isensee for a 2-1 lead. Continuing to press the Cougars and maintain possession, Carroll got another opportunity at the goal from inside the box in the 59th minute. Up 3-1, the Pioneers maintained possession for most of the second half, only allowing two shots for the Cougars to their eighteen on the half. In one final spur of play, Carroll put one last goal on the board in the 89th minute to seal their victory.

Isensee had nine saves on the day for the Cougars. Mackall had the single goal for the Cougars, while Jones had two shots in an attempt to score. Brett Bartkowicz and Tyler Coudron also added a shot each to the stats for Minnesota Morris. 

The Cougars will remain at home and play again tomorrow (Aug. 31) against Cornell University at 5 p.m.