BALTIMORE- The Notre Dame of Maryland Men's Soccer Team dropped a hard-fought battle with Goucher College to open the season, falling by a score of 3-2 on Sunday, Sept. 1.  

Goucher got to fast start, putting heavy pressure on the Gators throughout the first 10 minutes. The Gophers appeared to strike first, but the possible goal was called back for offsides. NDMU began to settle in, gaining more and more possession, with Tassilo Lehmkuhl and Athanasios Ziliaskopoulos each putting shots on frame. NDMU finally broke through in the 30th minute when Ziliaskopoulos played a ball across the goal to the feet of Peer Ewerbeck who then flicked the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net for his first career goal. NDMU held off the Gophers from leveling the score before halftime with Mateo Gularte making two of his 12 saves.  

The Gophers struck quickly in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute. NDMU answered in the 52nd minute. The Gators drew a foul in the box, earning a penalty kick. Freshman Elija Hanrieder took the PK, smashing it into the back of the net to retake the lead. Two minutes later Goucher capitalized on corner kick, scoring on a rebound to level the score at two. NDMU tried to hold off the Gophers attack, fending off multiple scoring chances throughout the next 30 minutes. Goucher finally broke through, scoring in the 88th minute to knock off the Gators. 

WHO'S NEXT  
The Gators will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to face Stockton University on Saturday, Sept. 7. The kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM  

STAY CONNECTED  
Fans can keep up with NDMU Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @ndmgatorsports.