Late Surge Falls Short as Brescia Edges Out UHSP 2-1

Despite a late surge by the Eutectics, the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) men's soccer team succumbed to the visiting Brescia University Bearcats (Ky.)(1-6-1) on Saturday at the Creve Coeur Soccer Complex (CCSC) with a final score of 2-1.

The first half was a battle for possession with the shots and corners evenly distributed between the two teams. Then, at the 24-minute mark, a UHSP foul allowed Brescia's Federic Munoz to convert a free kick from 20-yards out to a Bearcat 1-0 lead.

After the break, Brescia doubled their lead in the 64^th minute when Katai Mukuka was able to penetrate the Eutectic defense and take on UHSP goalkeeper Wyatt Taylor one-on-one for the second goal of the game.

The Eutectics continued fighting, and the game took a dramatic turn in the 88th minute when UHSP's Kevin Lesmes threaded the ball through the Brescia defense to Kalel Mendoza inside the box. Mendoza was able to slide past a defender and get the ball by the charging Bearcat goalie to mark the first UHSP goal on the board. This was Mendoza's second of the season, giving UHSP a glimmer of hope late in the game.

Brescia quickly responded to the pressure by substituting Jorge Vaccaro for Jacob Brown, aiming to stabilize their defense. In the closing moments, UHSP pushed forward, earning a corner kick taken by Jacob Woodard. Pietro Martano seized the opportunity with a shot that unfortunately went high, keeping the score in Brescia's favor as time ran out.

The Eutectics are now 0-7 as they head into their first American Midwest Conference matchup of the season next Saturday, Sept. 28. The UHSP team will return to the same CCSC field to host the Central Baptist College Mustangs (2-4) of Arkansas for a 12:00 p.m. game.