WAUKESHA, Wis. - It was an inspirational journey.
Faced with the daunting task of going head-to-head against the No. 1-ranked team in the country, the Carroll University men's soccer team not only embraced the challenge but thrived under the pressure by responding with one of its best efforts of the season.
Despite a tenacious performance to help kick off Homecoming Week, the Pioneers fell to high-powered University of Chicago 1-0 in a fast-paced, physical nonconference showdown at Schneider Stadium on Tuesday night.
The intriguing matchup took on added meaning from an historical perspective as it marked the first time in program history that the Pioneers had faced a top-ranked opponent. 
It was the seventh loss by a one-goal margin this season for steadily improving Carroll, which dropped to 2-9-1 overall.
University of Chicago, which advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament last year, posted its fifth shutout and improved to 11-0 overall.
The Maroons have won 30 consecutive regular season games dating back to Nov. 7, 2015.
Junior forward Max Lopez scored what eventually became the winning goal off an assist from freshman defender Scott Lich at the 6:28 mark for UOC, which outshot the Pioneers 12-4 - including a 5-2 shot-on-goal advantage.
Senior goalkeeper Hill Bonin made two critical saves to preserve a shutout in the grueling battle for the Maroons, who attempted six corner kicks.
Sophomore forward Shea Connell (Alfaz Del Pi, Spain) and freshman defender Tate Resch-Gauger (Appleton, Wis.) each generated a shot on goal in the second half for Carroll.
With time winding down in the 88th minute, Connell seized possession toward the left side, accelerated past two defenders and blasted a hard-lining 20-yard shot toward the right corner of the net.
The potential game-tying shot-on-goal opportunity wasn't meant to be as Bonin abruptly registered a save.
"We came into the game knowing that they were No. 1 and just gave it our all," said Connell, who has a team-high four goals this season. "As the night went on, I waited for my opportunity to eventually come and when it did just attempted to make the most of it. Unfortunately, it didn't go in.
"Throughout the evening, we managed to play with a lot of energy and enthusiasm as the game went on. It wasn't just the 11 guys on the pitch but started in the locker room and carried over to the sideline. We might not have won or have the best record but this effort clearly showed that we can compete with anyone. From this point on, we just have to go into each game with high spirits and play our best. If we can continue to do that, good things will happen."
It was a physical battle with three yellow card violations given over the course of a 17-minute span in the second half.
Sophomore defender Issey Valadez (Milwaukee, Wis.) was quick to point out that the team was well aware of the challenge and motivated to take its game to a higher level.
"It was one of our best efforts of the season," said Valadez, who has two goals and an assist this year. "Being the No. 1 team with three All-Americans, we knew that we had to bring our best to the field and make the most of every minute. We couldn't just slack off on one play and tried to give 100 percent each step of the way.
"Looking back, we really feel like they didn't expect us to be able to compete with them. That said, we not only showed that we're a good team but at the same time made it clear that we wouldn't be intimidated. Regardless of who was in the game, everyone brought the same energy and enthusiasm to the field. It was magnificent being able to respond with this type of performance in front of the hometown fans and represent Carroll in the best way possible."
Junior goalkeeper Nick Drew (Milton, Wis.) had four saves in playing the entire way.
"It was an exciting opportunity being able to host the No. 1 team in the nation and show the guys what its like to go against someone of their caliber," Carroll head coach Rick Mobley said. "Coming into the game, we really wanted to challenge our players to give a supreme effort. As we walk off the field, there's not a doubt in my mind that every player that contributed gave it their best tonight. Hopefully, we can use this effort as motivation for the rest of the season, have some fun and come away with a lot of victories.
"During the final few minutes, I got a little teary eyed because of our outstanding effort. Instead of starting to slow down, the guys began to get stronger, continued to execute and started to fire off some shots. The final outcome was really a testament to the guys and their effort. This will be one of those games that will be looked upon as a building block for years to come."