MORRIS, Minn. - In a challenging matchup at home, the University of Minnesota Morris Men's Soccer team experienced a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Cornell College. Despite the home advantage and strong support from the fans, the team struggled to find their rhythm on offense.

Cornell College put their mark on the scoreboard early in the game, finding the back of the net on a penalty kick in the 2nd minute of the game. The Cougars battled hard to even up the score, but were unable to stop the Rams as they sailed another one into the goal past the hands of Nick Isensee. The goal, scored in the 23rd minute, would be the last one of the half despite pressure from the Ram's on the Cougar defense. Brett Bartkowicz had the only shot of the half for Minnesota Morris, missing the goal to the top right in the 36th minute. 

The Rams kept their foot on the gas to start the second half, taking shot after shot on the Cougar net. Isensee managed two saves before a header by the Rams off a corner kick snuck its way into the net in the 62nd minute. Now with a steep hill to climb, Minnesota Morris fought to add their own mark to the board, taking shots and trying to keep possession of the ball. Cornell answered the Cougar's aggressive play with shots and fouls of their own, not allowing Minnesota Morris to find the net on offense and pressuring the defense with their ball movement. The Cougar's one shot on goal came from Matt Gearou with two minutes to go in the match.

Isensee totaled 4 saves on the day. Whitaker Root, Bartkowicz, Andreas Garcia, and Gearou all ended the game with a shot each. 

The Cougars will take a break from play and head to Hamline University on Friday, Sep. 6 the take on the Pipers in a 3 p.m. match.