MADISON, WISC. - The Madison College men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with the defending NJCAA Division II national champions in the 2023 season and home opener on Saturday, but ultimately fell 3-1 to Region 4 opponent Prairie State College at Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Pitch-East. The WolfPack were unable to hold onto an early one-goal lead before falling to the Pioneers, who opened the season ranked #3 in the NJCAA Division II Preseason Poll. The loss puts the Pack down 0-2 in the all-time series with PSC.

Neither team was able to find the back of the net over the first 24 minutes of the match, and then each tallied their first goal within a five-minute stretch. The Madison College goal came first in the 25' as the WolfPack earned a goal kick following a Prairie State College (2-0) shot that sailed high over the goal. Goalkeeper Phil McCloskey sent a kick beyond midfield that was headed by sophomore Gabe Voung into the WolfPack's offensive zone. Freshman Carter Uhlmann, a forward from Oregon, Wisconsin, tracked it down as the Pioneers' goalkeeper came out of the net, and Uhlmann was able to convert into the open net.

Unfortunately, the lead was short-lived as PSC used a corner kick in the 29' to slip a shot between McCloskey and the near post. The score remain tied at 1-1 through halftime.

Prairie State College was handed a 2-1 lead in the 56' when the Pioneers got a turnover just beyond the 18-yard line and sent a centering pass into the goalie box. Defender/midfielderr Roger Escalara reached back to deflect the pass and the ball ricocheted passed McCloskey and into the net. Another Pioneers goal in the 82' provided the visitors with some insurance as they held off the WolfPack attack.

Madison College generated seven total shots and put six on goal, while PSC tallied 13 shots with seven on goal. Both teams earned four corner kicks. McCloskey finished with four saves and three goals allowed.

Up Next:

Madison College (0-1) will get their second chance at the season's first win on Wednesday, August 30, when Malcolm X College (0-0) visits Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Pitch-East for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The WolfPack have won all three prior meetings with the Hawks, with all coming between 2015 and 2017. 

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