MVNU (7-3) got off to a good start in the match as the Cougars had their two best scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes of action. Sophomore forward Chris Allen (left) had a break away attempted saved by Red Storm goalie Jordan Lower and also sent a left-footed shot in the box just over the crossbar.

Rio Grande (5-2) scored what would prove to be the lone goal of the match in the 33rd minute when Ederson Lopes sent a pass to Chris Anderson, who was making a run down the flank. Anderson played a hard, low cross to Scott Bibby, who found the back of the net as the Red Storm took a 1-0 lead.

MVNU pushed forward trying to equalize and the Cougars were also able to stave off numerous Rio Grande counter attacks as the second half proved to be wide open action. However, the 1-0 lead would stand as both defenses were up to the task the rest of the way.

The Red Storm held a 15-6 lead in total shots, a 6-2 edge in shots on goal, and corner kicks were even at 2-2. Lower finished with two saves for Rio Grande to post the shutout, while MVNU goalkeeper Alex Stout stopped five shots. His school-record scoreless streak came to an end after he went 670:26 between goals that he allowed. The match also featured 39 total fouls and six yellow cards as the Red Storm were whistled for 24 of the fouls and four of the cautions.

“We were just not as sharp as we could have been or would need to be against a team like Rio Grande,” said MVNU coach Paul Furey. “Our touch was a bit off tonight. We worked hard and came ready to play, but things just did not fall into place tonight like we would have hoped for. Against a team like Rio Grande, you have to bring your A game to come out on top.”

“We did have some chances early on,” Furey added. “If we would have converted on those, perhaps it would have changed the complexion of the match. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get it done there. Things did not work out the way that we hoped they would today, but this team is resilient and we will be back and hopefully be playing solid again this weekend.”

The Cougars will look to start new streaks on Saturday when MVNU will travel to Urbana University for a non-conference match that will begin at 2:00 p.m.