STORM LAKE, Iowa – The UW-River Falls men's soccer team scored twice in the second half but were unable to complete the comeback Saturday afternoon, falling 3-2 against Buena Vista University.
The Falcons, now 3-4-1 controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting the Beavers 18-6 and holding a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks. UWRF added 11 shots on target while Buena Vista converted all three of its shots on goal.
River Falls generated several opportunities early in the matchup, forcing four saves during the opening 20 minutes. Despite the pressure from the front line, Buena Vista broke through first as Daniel Martinez scored in the 32nd minute, sending the Beavers into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Buena Vista doubled their lead shortly after halftime, with Brendon Batemon finding the back of the net at 51:18.
The Falcons found their first goal of the afternoon in the 65th minute.
Victor Vancauteren cut the deficit in half with a goal at 64:45. Buena Vista answered less than four minutes later as Brayden Schwinck scored to restore the Beavers' two-goal advantage.
UWRF continued applying pressure, pulling back within one at 72-minute mark where
Elijah Lund found the back of the net to make the score 3-2.
The Falcons played the final eight minutes with a man advantage following a Buena Vista red card.
Sorel Richardson put shots on target in the 82nd and 89th minute, while
Hunter Berry forced another save with just 32 seconds remaining, but the Beavers held firm for the 3-2 final.
Richardson led UWRF with five shots, including three on goal, while
Mauricio Cuevas and Lund each totaled three attempts. River Falls finished with a 13-4 advantage in second-half shots.
The Falcons return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 22, traveling to Duluth, Minn., to face St. Scholastica. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
