RIPON, Wisconsin – The Ripon men's soccer program battled for all 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon but fell 2-1 to Illinois College at Prairie Field in the Midwest Conference opener for both teams.
 
In a match that featured 26 fouls and five yellow cards, physicality reigned supreme from the opening touch.
 
Each team had chances in the first half to break through. Jacob Oppeneer skimmed the crossbar on the best chance of the first half for Ripon (2-2-3, 0-1-0 MWC), but the sides went into half scoreless.
 
The Red Hawks didn't waste much time in the second half. Christian Millan had a beautiful corner kick to find Nick Bellisle, who made a quick tap to Oppeneer. He buried it in the back of the net to send Prairie Field into a frenzy and give the Red Hawks a 1-0 lead. This was Oppeneer's team-leading sixth goal of the season.
 
Soon after, however, the momentum shifted. Illinois College (6-3-1, 1-0-0 MWC) was fouled in the box, leaving the Blueboys' all-time leading scorer, Tyler Schiltz, to attempt a penalty kick. Though Ripon goalie Sam Jahnke made the initial save, the rebound bounced back to Schiltz and he promptly tied the match at 1 apiece in the 57th minute.
 
Just one minute later, Schiltz sent a long ball ahead to Reed Rogers, who made a pass to Tyler Lunning. Lunning found the back of the net to give IC a 2-1 lead after three goals in six minutes of action.
 
Ripon would be unable to score again as IC left Wisconsin with the victory to open conference play.
 
The Blueboys had an overall shot advantage of 18-13 and had 9 shots on goal compared to Ripon's 3.
 
Finley Manning came off the bench and provided a spark for the Red Hawks, leading the squad with four shots. Oppeneer had 3 to help the cause.
 
Jahnke made 7 saves in 90 minutes between the pipes.
 
Schiltz led IC with 5 shots.
 
UP NEXT: Ripon stays home next Wednesday (September 27) for a Midwest Conference tilt against Lake Forest College. First touch from Prairie Field is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
 
FOLLOW: Follow Ripon College Red Hawks Athletics on Facebook and @RiponRedHawks on Twitter for immediate updates, results and more. Go to riponredhawks.com for all information, releases and schedules.