GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Less than 24 hours after receiving the top ranking in the NAIA Top 25, the Davenport men's soccer team arrived at Aquinas knowing they were a target. Unfortunately, the Panthers were hit by their crosstown rivals with a first-half goal which was the difference in the Saints' 1-0 upset win over No. 1 Davenport Wednesday.
 
It is only the second loss the Panthers have been handed this season, with the first being an overtime setback at Indiana Wesleyan last month.
 
Aquinas (8-5-1, 2-3-1 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference) were aggressive right from the start and it wasn't until an unanswered header to the right post by Juan Torres in the 15^th minute that gave the Saints the eventual winner.
 
Despite the one-goal difference, Davenport (11-2-0, 4-1-0 WHAC) had numerous opportunities to find the equalizer, having out shot Aquinas 20-8 overall, 9-6 on goal. Part of the frustration came from Saints keeper Kyle Hibbard, who made at least two brilliant saves off shots by Tyler Fischer in the first half.
 
The second half saw the Panthers being more on the attack while the Saints did everything in their power to clear it from their zone. Davenport would outshoot Aquinas 11-3 throughout the second half. DU's last chance on a tying goal within the final seconds came from Chad Gordon, who fired a shot from 25 yards out and missed inches from the right post.
 
Davenport will have a chance to rebound from the loss at home Saturday when they host Siena Heights at 7 p.m.
 
Post-Match Notes
Davenport falls to 9-11-1 in the all-time series against Aquinas…It is the first time DU has been shut out since falling to Indiana Wesleyan in the opening round of the NAIA National Championship last season…Davenport's two losses come from trailing at halftime
 
Men's Soccer Contact: Rick Hoskin | 616-554-5045 | rhoskin@davenport.edu
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