BELOIT, Wis. - Beloit's search for its first win of the season continued this afternoon at Strong Soccer Field, where the Buccaneers dropped a 5-1 decision to Loras, falling to 0-8-0 on the year. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Beloit showed flashes of resilience against a Duhawks squad that improved to 6-1-0.
Loras seized control early, riding a heavy shot advantage to a 4-0 halftime lead. Gavin Pienkowski opened the scoring in the 7th minute, and Zack Liddell doubled the margin just five minutes later. Jonathan Ademi converted a penalty kick in the 33rd minute, and Mats Van de Peppel added a fourth goal before the break off an assist from Pienkowski.
Beloit goalkeeper David Staats (Meridian, ID) was kept busy throughout, finishing the opening 45 minutes with five saves as the Duhawks peppered the box with 14 shots to Beloit's 2.
The second half brought a much-needed highlight for Beloit College. Miles Morrow was the offensive spark for the Buccaneers, leading the team with 3 shots and 3 shots on target — tied for the team high in shots on frame. His persistence paid off in the 63rd minute, when Morrow buried a shot past Loras keeper Nathaniel Gerling to get Beloit on the board, cutting the deficit to 5-1 (Loras had added a fifth goal via Charlie Sieg just moments earlier at the 57-minute mark). It was Morrow's second goal of the season.
Despite the score, multiple Buccaneers put together notable performances. Staats finished with 8 saves on the day across the full match, a workhorse effort behind a defense facing 25 total shots. Nick Kingpavong recorded a shot on target in the second half that set up Morrow's goal sequence, and led Beloit's midfield effort with 64 minutes played. Daniel Abreu tested Beloit's luck with a shot on target in the 79th minute, forcing another save. Marco Castillo came on as a substitute and provided an attacking outlet, registering a shot on target in the first half stoppage period.
The Buccaneers have a quick turnaround before hosting the University of Dubuque Spartans tomorrow afternoon at the Strong Complex Soccer Field. Kick off is set for 3 pm.
