BELOIT, WI – Beloit College's men's soccer team fought a tenacious battle against Ripon College this evening, ultimately falling short with a final score of 3-0. The loss drops the Buccaneers to 6-8-4 (3-2-2 MWC) and moves the Red Hawks to (9-5-2, 3-3-1 MWC) as they make the final push towards the conference tournament. 

From the opening whistle, both teams demonstrated high intensity, but it was Ripon who managed to break the deadlock in the first half with a goal in the 21st minute. Beloit's goalkeeper, David Staats (Meridian, ID), had a busy first half, making crucial saves to keep the Buccaneers in contention.

The second half saw Beloit intensify their attack, pushing forward with determination. The Buccaneers outshot Ripon 11-7 in the second period, creating several dangerous chances. Matteo Jijon (Wilmette, IL), Rafael Cervantes Jr. (Dallas, TX), and Eziah Hernandez (New Mexico) were particularly active in the offensive third, with Jijon registering a saved shot on target in the 74th minute, and Hernandez sending a shot just wide in the 65th minute.

Even as Ripon extended their lead with goals in the 49th and 76th minutes in the second half, the Buccaneers never relented. Their defense, anchored by players like Marco Jijon (Wilmette, IL) and Evan Miranda (Grants Pass, Ore.), worked tirelessly, with Staats making a total of 4 saves for the match.

The Buccaneers will have one final game of the regular season and one final chance to clinch a spot in the MWC Tournament a week from today. Beloit will host Cornell College on November 1st at 1:30 pm at the Strong Complex Soccer Field.