DEERFIELD, Ill. -- A late first half goal proved to be the difference, as Trinity International men's soccer fell to the visiting Missouri Baptist Spartans by a 1-0 decision on Wednesday afternoon at Schartner Field. A defensive battle throughout, the Spartans' goal in the 41st minute stood up as Trinity were unable to find the game-tying score in the season opener.

Box Score

The Trojans (0-1) were nearly even with the Spartans (1-2) in the run of play, with MBU taking a narrow 11-10 advantage in shots. The TIU back line put in a strong performance, allowing just one corner kick on the day, and keeping the Spartan attackers in check for long stretches of the match.

"It's tough to drop what felt like a winnable match," said TIU head coach Patrick Gilliam. "I do think there's a lot to work on, but I told the boys I think there's a lot to work with. I think we looked organized, the work ethic was there, and I don't think there was a time in the match where we looked like we were checked out. There's a lot for us to build on, we just have to get back to work and get ready for Saturday. Hats off to Missouri Baptist, they came in after a late night last night, fighting like us to get a game in the win column, and they got it done."

MBU's Selmir Ademovic scored the match's lone goal of the day after getting possession of a loose ball to the left side of the goal, after TIU goalkeeper Brad Stough had made one of his eight saves on the day. Ademovic slotted the ball inside the far post to give his team the advantage just before the end of the half.

Offensively for the Trojans, senior Erik Yamane led the way with three shots, while freshman Tyler Cake tied Yamane with two shots on goal apiece. 

The Trojans will now prepare for Saturday's match, where they will host the Concordia (Mich.) Cardinals in a men's and women's doubleheader. The men's squad will take the field starting at 5:00 p.m.