MARION, Ind. -- The No. 10-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University men’s soccer team closed out the IWU Classic Saturday night at Wildcat Field with a striking performance in a 2-0 loss to No. 2 Northwestern Ohio.

“I think anyone here can see that we can go toe-to-toe with those guys,” said Wildcat head coach Luke Sanford. “I told the boys at halftime in my eyes how I see us playing down the road is how we are playing tonight. I was really proud of their bravery and thought they were really courageous in how we played. Didn’t hold anything back and took chances.”

Indiana Wesleyan outshot Northwestern Ohio 15-7 on the evening and put seven shots on goal compared to six for the visitors.

“Games that are this close the margins are really slim,” continued Sanford. “The Northwestern Ohio goalkeeper is really good and came up big. They have really good players going forward.”

The Racers scored the game-winning goal in the 10th minute off the foot of Sergio Royo. The 1-0 score would last until halftime.

Northwestern Ohio scored early in the second half when Carlos Monterrey scored over the head of Indiana Wesleyan keeper Josh Goepper (SR/Shelby Township, Mich.) in the 51st minute. Indiana Wesleyan had a chance to cut the deficit in half in the 56th minute on a foul in the 18-yard box. Keaton Albert (SR/Park City, Ill.) took the penalty kick for the second consecutive night but UNOH keeper Liam Davies made the save to preserve the 2-0 score.

“Most of the match was even played,” stated Sanford. “But we didn’t capitalize on our chances and they did. And that is really what it comes down to tonight. That’s experience and they are a mature team.”

Indiana Wesleyan will open Crossroads League play next Saturday evening as they travel to Winona Lake, Indiana to battle Grace (Ind.) at 7 p.m.

“The reason you have to play tough opponents before the conference is to prepare for the grind of the Crossroads League,” said Sanford. “I’m looking forward to seeing that. I think we are prepared because we have played really good teams. I think the guys are ready to respond from a really good performance but a bit of a disappointing result tonight.”