Wesleyan to be another challenge for men's soccer

The men's soccer team travels to Bloomington, Ill., Thursday to face Illinois Wesleyan University in a 7:30 p.m. matchup after losing its home opener Saturday.

The Warhawks (1-1-0) return home Saturday to open their WIAC schedule with a 3 p.m. game vs. UW-Superior. They also host Wartburg College (2-0-1) Sunday with a 5 p.m. start on Family Day.

"September is a very difficult month for our men's team. We've put the best teams on the schedule that we can, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It will be a tough four day stretch," Warhawks head coach Greg Henschel said.

After taking an early lead against Loras College (2-0-0) Saturday night, the 'Hawks were defeated 3-2 in front of over 400 spectators at Fiskum Field.

The Duhawks capitalized off of a few miscues by the 'Hawks defense, but the less experienced 'Hawks held their own against a team which went 24-5 last season and reached the NCAA Division III men's soccer Final Four the past two seasons.

"I feel very good about where our team is at, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming couple of years with this team, because as young as we are, [Loras] had nine or 10 seniors on the field tonight, and we had one senior on the field for the majority of the night," Henschel said.

Only 4:40 into the game, junior Dan Montanye scored his second goal of the season on a penalty kick and put the 'Hawks up 1-0.

The veteran Duhawk squad, responded with three consecutive goals including back-to-back goals by junior Miguel Bonilla and sophomore Chris Comstock within a span of 19 seconds.

With 12 minutes left to play, freshman Bemis Gorvego crossed the ball over to sophomore Trevor Swentik who kicked it past the Duhawks' goalkeeper Adam to bring the 'Hawks within a goal.

The 'Hawks offense added a few more late shots on goal the Duhawks would prevail 3-2.

Henschel wasn't concerned about his team's performance despite relinquishing the early lead.

"I don't think the outcome was indicative of where this team is heading and where our team is heading," Henschel said.

"I'm proud of the guys, we worked hard, and we're going to be a very good team this year, and I think we're going to be a very good team in November, so I'm looking forward to seeing that," he added.