DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque men's soccer team began their 2023 season at home on Oyen Field on Saturday morning as they took on the Concordia Moorehead Cobbers. In a tight battle, the Cobbers were able to squeeze out a 2-1 victory over the Spartans in the season opener for both teams. 

What was supposed to be an afternoon start time, the game got pushed up to the morning due to extreme heat throughout the afternoon. The Spartans would get their first look on offense with a Brandon Kaup shot just wide of the net five minutes into the game. Gavin Wooldridge would follow it up later in the first half with two on goal looks at scoring, but both shots would be saved by the Cobbers goalie. 

The Cobbers would break the scoreless tie right at 30 minutes into the game to jump out to a one goal lead. They would lead heading into the halftime break. Just over 11 minutes into the second half on the Spartans third shot of the half a crisp pass from Wooldridge would find the leg of Kaup for the 1-1 tie. The Cobbers would answer in the 68th minute to regain their goal advantage. The last opportunity for the Spartans came on a penalty kick in the 76th minute as Kaup looked to score his second goal of the night, but the kick would fall into the hands of the Cobbers goalie for a crucial save. The Spartans would not have any looks to score the rest of the way, losing by a final of 2-1 to start the season. 

Wooldridge was active on the offensive end with five shots on goal on five shots. Zach Floss added two shots on goal as the Spartans were on target nine of their 15 shots. Matt Marchiori secured his first four saves of the season in 90 minutes of play. 

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The Spartans will have a quick turnaround as they play the Milwaukee School of Engineering tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. The start time has been changed due to extreme heat throughout the day on Sunday.