Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris men's soccer team fell to IUPUI, 0-1 in a Horizon League matchup. The Colonials are now 3-2-2 overall on the year and are 1-1 in conference games. IUPUI moves up to 3-3-2 in 2023 and are 2-0 in the conference.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Hosting their first conference game of the season, RMU immediately attacked forward from the opening kick-off, earning a corner kick 30 seconds into the game. After an early chance, the action mainly stayed in the midfield for a substantial amount of time.
Over the course of the first half, the game became physical between both sides. After the first six minutes without a whistle, there were 17 fouls called between the two teams, including a yellow card issued to an IUPUI player.
In the first half, both squads played shutdown defense, not offering many chances. The Colonials finished with three shots in the first 45 minutes.
For the second half, the game's theme continued as both sides were getting attention from the officials. Just 10 minutes into play after halftime, IUPUI was given another yellow card.
Four minutes later, IUPUI got in trouble again, as another player was issued a yellow.
But, as a few minutes passed, IUPUI was controlling possession in the offensive zone. A cross was made from the right side to the left and it bounced outside the box. Dominic Breidenbach took a touch and found Josemir Gomez in the box. The forward turned and netted a goal for the Jaguars.
Looking to tie up the game,
Logan Gilley made a great individual play dribbling down the right side. The senior made a move past two players, reaching the front of the 18-yard box. He pulled off a shot but it went high.
The Jaguars physical play continued for the remainder of the game as the ref handed out two more yellow cards.
In the 77
th minute, RMU created a solid chance. Working passes through the midfield, the play ended with
John Paul Mbuthia on the ball. He curled a shot, aiming at the top-left corner, only to be saved by IUPUI's goalie.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Colonials pushed numbers forward, trying to score.
William Dodzi Afawubo during the 80
th minute almost scored, as his shot just went over the crossbar.
As the clock winded down, RMU just couldn't knock the tying goal and the game ended in a 0-1 loss.
SCORING PLAYS AND CAUTIONS
28' – Yellow Card: Demian Martinez
55' – Yellow Card: Lukas Hackaa
59' – Yellow Card: Logan Finnegan
63' – Goal: Josemir Gomez | Assisted by: Dominic Breidenbach
67' – Yellow Card: Ethan Vermillion
85' – Yellow Card: Jago Thompson-Roberts
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
RMU attempted 10 shots on the day and earned four corner kicks. Freshman goalkeeper
Josh Lane made his first appearance in his collegiate career, starting against the Jaguars. The English native made three saves. On defense,
William Dodzi Afawubo and
Fabian Overkamp played all 90 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Colonials now get a week off until they play their next opponent. On Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m., RMU travels out to Milwaukee for another Horizon League contest.
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