RIVER FOREST, Ill. – The University of Minnesota Morris football team dropped its season opener 17-16 to Concordia University Chicago on Saturday afternoon in River Forest, Illinois.
 
On the first drive of the 2025 season, the Cougars held Concordia to a three-and-out, with Gregory Ohman tackling the running back in the backfield for a loss. Minnesota Morris also failed to gain a first down on its opening drive, but Trever Cockerill, in his first punt with UMM, pinned CUC inside its own 15-yard line.
 
After another three-and-out, Dino Villalobos returned a punt to CUC's 19-yard line. However, the Cougars were unable to get on the board following a missed field goal. CUC then drove into the red zone, but on fourth-and-three, the Cougars forced a turnover on downs to keep the game scoreless.
 
Chayce Meyer opened the second quarter with an interception, returning it to the CUC 12-yard line. The Cougars attempted to convert on fourth-and-three but came up empty again. Oscar Weah Jr. recorded the team's first first down with a 12-yard rush. A 14-yard touchdown pass from Bryson Drake to Orion Knakmuhs put the Cougars on the board, and Christian Davis converted the extra point.
 
On the following drive, CUC responded with a field goal just under three minutes before halftime. Drake and Knakmuhs connected again for a 27-yard gain to move into CUC territory.
 
Concordia drove in the final minute of the half, but Dylan Young sacked the quarterback for an 11-yard loss, and the Cougar defense forced a punt. The first half ended with Minnesota Morris leading 7-3.
 
Manny Guy opened the second half with a kick return to the 36-yard line. The Cougars fumbled but regained possession after stopping CUC on fourth down. Hayden Charboneau completed his first pass of the season to Guy for a 16-yard gain. The Cougars drove inside the 5-yard line but couldn't convert, turning the ball over on downs. CUC responded with a drive from end zone to end zone to take a 10-7 lead.
 
Minnesota Morris answered early in the fourth quarter. Charboneau found Carter Watnaas wide open for a touchdown, but the PAT was no good, giving the Cougars a 13-10 lead with 10:27 left. On the ensuing kickoff, Davis's kick spun and stopped at the one-yard line, and CUC returned it to the 15.
 
CUC leaned on its ground game to slowly move downfield, draining the clock. On third-and-one, they attempted a quarterback sneak, but the Cougars held firm, forcing fourth-and-inches. CUC attempted a pass, but Nick Brandner broke it up to force a turnover on downs.
 
Trying to run out the clock, UMM faced third-and-seven. Charboneau found Watnaas streaking down the middle of the field for a 72-yard gain, tackled at the CUC 5. Davis made his first collegiate field goal with 1:32 remaining, extending the lead to 16-10.
 
CUC began its final drive with a huge play, advancing to the UMM 28. The offense continued to drive and scored a touchdown with just under a minute left. The PAT was good, giving Concordia a 17-16 lead.
 
Juan "JT" Garza III returned the ensuing kickoff to the UMM 41, but Minnesota Morris was unable to convert, falling in a heartbreaking season opener, 17-16.
 
Quarterback Hayden Charboneau led the Cougar offense with 5 completions for 118 yards and one touchdown. Bryson Drake totaled 41 yards and one touchdown on two completions. Watnaas led the team in receiving with 85 yards and one touchdown, followed by Knakmuhs with 41 yards and a score. On the ground, Sean-Keley Chinanga paced UMM with 57 rushing yards.
 
Defensively, Arian Saenz recorded a team-high 13 tackles. The Cougars notched three sacks—courtesy of Dalton Allery, Dylan Young, and Chase Meyer. Meyer also set a new program record for career tackles for loss. He wasn't done there—he also recorded an interception, returning it 38 yards.
 
On special teams, Davis went 1-for-2 on field goals and PATs. Cockerill totaled 70 yards on two punts. Garza returned two kicks for 49 yards, and Villalobos led the team in punt return yardage with 14.
 
Minnesota Morris looks to bounce back next week as they travel to take on No. 4-ranked Saint John's University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13.