FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- The Ripon College men's soccer program suffered their first loss of the season this Sunday, Aug 31, against Marian University. 

This year's Highway 23 Derby for the programs got off to a hot start, with the hosts putting one past the Ripon defense just 13 minutes into the game. Not to be outdone, the Red Hawks would find a nearly immediate answer, with forward Seth Schroeder (Iron Ridge, Wis., Winnebago Lutheran Academy) converting a set up from midfielder Isaac Kushner (Kenosha, Wis., Kenosha Tremper HS) to level the score just two minutes later. 

A foul in the box from Marian would give the Red Hawks a chance to pull ahead just before halftime, but a save from the keeper on a Ripon penalty kick would keep the score level, pushing the teams into the second at a 1-1 deadlock. The second half saw both teams earn looks at the goal as the pace and physicality of play increased, but it was the Sabres who ultimately found the back of the net, putting in the winning goal in the 71st minute. Two late attempts from the Red Hawks would sail off target, ending the game in a Marian victory 2-1. 

Ripon's offense was successful in generating looks against the Sabres's defense, earning 12 shots, four of which stayed on target, while Marian would earn 11 total shots, five of which were on goal. The Red Hawks found themselves against a physical opponent, with the Sabres committing nine more fouls than Ripon for the game. 

The Red Hawks men's soccer team will return to action out of state on Wednesday, Sept 3, against Saint Mary's. The Cardinals enter the contest 0-2 this season, coming off a 0-4 loss to Lake Forest.