WINONA LAKE, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University men’s soccer dropped a 3-1 decision on Saturday afternoon on Homecoming at Grace (Ind.) in the Crossroads League opener for both teams.

The loss evens the Wildcat record to 4-4-0 this season which includes losses in three of their last four matches. Grace improves to 6-3-0.

“This is uncharted waters for all of us as a team,” said IWU head coach Luke Sanford. “We must stay positive and together. There are still a lot of games left and much to play for. We obviously need to get some things right which is exactly what we plan on doing.”

All the scoring came in the second half after a scoreless first half.

Grace opened the scoring with a goal in the 56th minute but Indiana Wesleyan answered with a goal in the 62nd minute. A foul in the 18-yard box created a penalty kick opportunity for Indiana Wesleyan and Corey Lopez (SR/Warsaw, Ind.) took advantage and tied the match 1-1.

Less than seven minutes later Grace regained the lead 2-1 with a goal in the 68th minute. The Lancers added an insurance goal in the 81st minute to secure the victory.

“This was a really tough result,” said Sanford. “For much of the game I really thought we were good. Grace scored some fantastic goals and Matt and his group deserve a lot of credit.”

Indiana Wesleyan outshot Grace 11-7 during the contest although Grace held a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. IWU keeper Josh Goepper (SR/Shelby Township, Mich.) made three saves in net for Indiana Wesleyan.

The Wildcats return to action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 as they host Bethel (Ind.) in Crossroads League action at Wildcat Field.