STORM LAKE, Iowa – The University of Minnesota Morris men's soccer team came up just short in a 1-0 loss to Buena Vista University on Saturday evening in a non-conference matchup in Storm Lake, Iowa.
 
The Beavers improve to 2-1 as the Cougars fall to 1-2.
 
Just one minute into the match, the Cougars earned a free kick just outside the penalty area. Aaron Mackall stepped up to take it and sent the ball over the wall, but the BVU goalkeeper made the save. Both teams struggled to generate much offense in the opening 45 minutes, and the game remained scoreless at halftime.
 
Mackall led the offensive effort with three shots on goal in the first half, and Burke Sheppard added one of his own. On the defensive end, Nick Isensee made one save on the only shot he faced during the first half.
 
Buena Vista broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half with a low-driven shot that found the back of the net. The Cougars responded with pressure, and Mackall created a promising chance, driving up field and finding Jake Anargyros, who narrowly missed wide.
 
Late in the match, Minnesota Morris had another opportunity to equalize with a free kick from distance, but the ball was cleared as the Cougars were unable to capitalize, ultimately falling 1-0.
 
UMM finished the match with five shots on target. Mackall led the way with three, while Sheppard and Whitaker Root each added one. In goal, Isensee recorded three saves.
 
The Cougars continue their road trip on Sunday, taking on Cornell College at 1:30 p.m.