Box Score
URBANA, Ohio -- The Notre Dame College men's soccer team fell by a narrow score of 2-1 in a Thursday afternoon road match against the Mountain East Conference rival Urbana Blue Knights.

The Falcons (5-4 overall, 5-2 MEC) and Blue Knights battled for a full 90 minutes in what was a hard-fought battle between in-state opponents. However, the host Blue Knights took control early behind a 20th minute goal from Lewis Dunne as NDC trailed 1-0 midway through the first half.

The score remained 1-0 at halftime as the Falcons defense, led by two first-half saves from Daniele De Angelis, managed to keep the deficit at just 1-0 going into the second half.

However, Urbana tacked on a second goal just over 10 minutes into the second half in the 57th minute, leaving the Falcons trailing 2-0.

But the Falcons continued to concede the match.

In the 72nd minute, NDC struck the back of the net as Leonardo Paiva scored his team-leading, and NCAA Division II-leading, 16th goal of the season in just nine games played. The goal also pulled the Falcons within one score, 2-1, with plenty of time remaining in the second half.

However, while the Falcons outshot Urbana 8-6 in the second half, it wasn't enough as NDC fell short by a narrow 2-1 score.

With the loss, NDC drops to 5-4 on the season, including a 5-2 mark against MEC competition.

The Falcons return to action on Saturday, Oct. 8 on the road at Bloomsburg University in non-conference action. Game time is scheduled for 1 pm.