INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI men's soccer team's season came to a close on Wednesday (Nov. 3) as the Jaguars lost in their home finale to Robert Morris, 1-0. The Jaguars' postseason hopes had already been dashed in the week prior, but IUPUI still put forth a businesslike effort in the finale. IUPUI outshot RMU by a 16-11 margin and maintained possession for nearly 60 percent of the contest, but was still unable to scratch for a fourth straight contest to end the year. 

"I am disappointed that we were unable to finish the season on a high note with a win today. Ultimately, the final result is indicative of where we've been all season - a lack of clinical finishing in the final third and subsequently failing to be perfect defensively," head coach Brian Barnett said. "That said, I don't want the result to take away from what this group of seniors has done since arriving at IUPUI in 2017 and 2018. They have done a tremendous job to redefine the culture and identity. While they won't be with us to take part in winning more games, as it happens, it will be because of the foundation they have laid."

RMU's Bryan Akongo tallied from six yards out at the far post in the 58th minute off a cross from Lucas Shearer's cross from the right side. An RMU attacker making a run up the middle opted to step over the cross, allowing it to roll through to a wide open Akongo for a composed finish past Quinn McCallion. Otherwise, McCallion registered four stops in a full 90 minutes of work. 

The IUPUI (3-12-1, 2-8 HL) attack was as frisky as it's been all year as the 16 shot attempts tied for their second-most in a game this season. IUPUI put a ball in the back of the net midway through the first half, but had the apparent goal negated due to an offsides call. Later, IUPUI's Gianni Catenacci was pulled down from behind in dangerous territory for a free kick. On Logan Finnegan's ensuing free kick, the ball appeared to deflect off the hand or arm of an RMU defender and was initially called a penalty kick before the play was overturned and ruled in favor of RMU. 

The Jags had chances in the run of play as well. 

In the 67th minute, Kirezi Freddy found himself free in close, but hit the shot high of target after squaring up on goal. Later, Matthew Skaar found himself free on the back post when service came in his direction, but he was unable to redirect a shot against RMU goalkeeper Grant Glorioso. Even in the closing seconds, Chris Workman got free inside the 18, but had his shot plucked by Glorioso for a collective groan from a solid IUPUI fan contingent. 

Skaar and Anthony Saporito had three shot attempts each and three others had two apiece. On the flip side, Akongo and Tom Akinola were constant threats for the RMU attack as Akongo put three shots on frame and Akinola and Charlie Lawrence had two shots each. 

The loss also marked the final appearance for the defensive line of Tommy Patacca, Corey Goede, Gianni Catenacci and Ethan Diedel. All four played all 90 minutes on Wednesday and have rarely come off the field for a stingy IUPUI defense this season.

With the win, Robert Morris improved to 5-10-1 and 4-5-1 in Horizon League play.