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VALPARAISO, Ind. - The IUPUI men's soccer team got a goal in the game's 20th minute from sophomore Michael Sass off an assist from classmate Juan Lopez, but was unable to escape with a victory at Valparaiso on Friday (Sept. 13) night. The host Crusaders pulled even on a goal from Todd Vervynckt in the 82nd minute and stole the win with a Nick Suker goal in the 106th minute, moving the Jaguars' losing skid to four straight. 

"It was a tough game," IUPUI Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "We had the better part of the game in the first half and scored first through Sass, which is something we hadn't done all year. Collectively, we played well. We have to learn to believe, be disciplined and play with a lead. 

"I'll be honest, it's the first time I've lost a game and felt good about how the players played. I'm not happy with the result, but I'm pleased with the effort."

The 6-foot-7 Sass, who started at forward on Friday, made the most of an early scoring opportunity for his fifth career goal and second in as many games. After a Jaguar corner kick, Lopez popped the ball free to Sass, who rang a shot into the top right corner of the net, past VU (2-0-3) goalie Tom Serratore. 

"Sass held the ball well for us," Jacob said. "I thought the guys adapted well to the lineup change, moving Sass to forward and going with five freshmen, five sophomores and a junior in the starting lineup."

The one-goal advantage stood until late in regulation when Vervynckt's second goal of the year knotted the game with just more than seven minutes left. Jesse Ortiz played a long lead pass to the VU forward, who was able to settle the ball and hit a shot off the inner portion of the far post, past IUPUI netminder Eduardo Cortes. The Jaguars were trying to play an offsides trap, but allowed Vervynckt to get in behind the back line for the equalizer.

In the second overtime, Vervynckt assisted Suker on the game-winner by sending a pass into the box that resulted in the far post finish. Rather than send the ball out of play and yield a throw in, the Jaguars tried to dribble the ball out of harm's way, only to see a turnover lead directly to the game-winner. 

"We have to stop giving away goals," Jacob said. "I have to give Valpo credit. They're very dynamic up top and they've very athletic, but we knew that coming in. Credit them for taking advantage of opportunities, but our mistakes helped them."

Valpo enjoyed a 22-11 shot advantage while the Jaguars were whistled for 25 fouls and drew just 13 whistles. 

Freshman Jonny Williams, who missed the Jaguars' last match due to an earlier red card, attempted a team-high four shots from his attacking midfield spot. Cortes made two saves in the loss while Serratore made four stops in the victory. 

The Jaguars will cap the weekend when they host Milwaukee at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 15) at Carroll Stadium.