Box Score Terre Haute, IN. – Facing a formidable opponent, Principia men's soccer put up a fight in 2-0 loss to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Thursday night. Principia tried to advance ball possession through the middle of the field early on. Rose-Hulman responded with smart build up play that included quick possession through the defensive unit and long switches, utilizing their speed players on the outside flanks.
After missing a few opportunities beforehand, Rose-Hulman took the lead near the 30 minute mark of the first half when their central midfielder made a weaving run through Principia's defense and slotted the ball between goalkeeper Kaylin Hernadez's legs. Principia found very little opportunity going forward in response, and often fell on their heels as Rose-Hulman attacked with their furious pace.
The Panthers were able to respond with solid play early in the second half thanks to the dynamic movement by sophomores
Briggs Hurley and
David Bader in the central midfield. However, a few missed opportunities on offense proved to be costly for Principia when Rose Hulman scored the second and final goal on a rebound off of Hernandez's chest.
The result was not what Principia was looking for heading into next week's home match against Gustavus Adulphus, but a strong second half showing proved that the players have the capability to perform well going forward.
