LOVES PARK, Ill. - The IUPUI men's soccer team got an early strike from senior Matthew Skaar, but was unable to make it stand as the Jaguars dropped a 2-1 decision to UIC inside Indoor Sports Center. Redshirt freshman Lucas Morefield was making his first career start in net and asserted himself in goal, making five stops in his collegiate debut. 

IUPUI (0-2) went in front in the game's 24th minute as Skaar finished an assist from Chris Workman for the day's first score. It was Skaar's second career score and first since October 2018 while Workman earned his first career assist on the play. The lead stood until the 57th minute when Nkusuwila Zulu scored the first of his two on the day. Christian Crespo assisted the equalizer. 

Zulu struck again in the 68th minute, tallying the winner off an assist from Manny Cerritos. 

"It's always disappointing to lose, especially in a game in which we had the lead. Credit to UIC for continuing to keep the offensive pressure high and to go ahead, as well as maintaining good defensive organization to deny us the equalizer," head coach Brian Barnett said. "There are a lot of positives that we can take from today's game that will help us to move forward as the season continues. 

"To start, we definitely did a better job establishing possession and creating some legitimate goal scoring opportunities. Execution will need to continue to improve. Additionally, our team's collective effort to work hard and compete for each other cannot be questioned. That mentality is going to carry our team forward as we continue to find our stride this season."

IUPUI was on the attack throughout the second half, outshooting the Flames 10-9 after the break and earning three corner kicks after intermission. Tommy Patacca and Anthony Saporito had quality chances again the UIC defense, but Flames goalkeeper Sokratis Vasilas registered five of his six saves in the second half. 

Patacca had a team-high four shot attempts from his defensive spot while Saporito and Gianni Catenacci had two tries each. Catenacci put a brilliant restart on frame in the first half, testing Vasilas. 

For the day, UIC closed with a 23-13 shot advantage and 6-3 edge in corner kicks. 

IUPUI will be back in action on Saturday (Mar. 6) when the Jaguars host Northern Kentucky at 2:00 p.m. at the on-campus Michael A. Carroll Stadium.