The Ashland University men's soccer team had plenty of chances against visiting UW-Parskide, but the Rangers escaped Ferguson Field with a 2-0 decision on Sunday (Sept. 16) to open GLIAC play.
The Eagles (1-3-1, 0-1 GLIAC) and Rangers (4-2, 1-0 GLIAC) each totaled 16 shots, but Parkside's Juan Gonzalez made nine saves in net to keep the shutout.
"We weren't able to capitalize on the chances we created," said AU head coach Oliver Slawson. "We can't be wasteful with the set pieces we created. Credit to Parkside, they took chances and generated the goals they needed. If we did the same with as much as we created, we would be looking at a different result."
Gonzalez made himself large throughout the game, making several difficult saves, including one on a laser by sophomore Justin Libertowski, who wrong-footed Gonzalez, but the keeper dove back to his right and punched away the effort in the first half.
The Rangers scored in the 20th minute as Stevi Krecak played a short cross from the right side to Brandon Henderson, who slid it past AU keeper Nick Costa.
UWP doubled its lead in the 71st minute on a brilliant goal by Leki Prpa, who hit a volley off a set piece with his back to the goal that chipped just inside the near post.
Libertowski, sophomore Yusuke Yasumasu and freshman Haruki Kimura each had four shots in the game. Costa made four saves for Ashland.
The Eagles will return to the field on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. at Davenport.
AU
MSOC/BB
