WAUKESHA, Wis. - As Derek Marie walked out on the field as head coach for the season opener, a new era began for the Carroll University men's soccer program.
Despite a valiant, hard-fought debut performance, hopes for a victory celebration to commemorate the special occasion slipped away in the second half as Carroll lost to University of Dubuque 2-0 in a nonconference game at Schneider Stadium on Friday evening.
After battling to a scoreless tie at halftime, Dubuque responded with two unanswered goals over the course of the opening 14 minutes of the second half - collecting what proved to be the winning goal on an unassisted shot by junior midfielder Chris Rigby at the 47:07 mark.
Both teams had nine shots in the physical contest.
The Spartans, who maintained a 7-4 shot-on-goal advantage, added a goal in the 58th minute as freshman forward Gloire Luwara scored off an assist from Rigby. 
"We had a good preseason, the guys came in mentally prepared and were ready to go," said Marie, a 2009 graduate of Carroll and former standout center midfielder who became the third head coach in program history - replacing former longtime coach Rick Mobley who resigned after 19 years at the helm. "That said, eventhough we came out with a good mindset, it all came down to a key stretch and two mistakes in the second half. It was the difference in the game.
"Being NCAA Division III soccer, we really feel that we have the right guys in place to improve upon what we learned last season. We just need to stay positive, build on the experience and keep moving forward."
Junior striker Shea Connell (Alicante, Spain) generated two shots on goal with sophomore midfielders Charlie Shaver (Waukesha, Wis.) and Carlos Guzman (Chicago, Ill.) each adding one for Carroll.
The Pioneers had a golden opportunity for a potential game-tying goal in the 53rd minute but Shaver's close-proximity shot was abruptly saved by Dubuque sophomore goalkeeper Brandon White. 
Junior goalkeeper Mathias Holm (Marshfield, Wis.) contributed five saves in playing the entire 90 minutes for the Pioneers.
Despite the final outcome, Marie was quick to point out that it was an honor walking onto Schneider Stadium for the first time as head coach.
"It was a very special night that ranks up there with the birth of my son and seeing my wife walk down the aisle," a smiling Marie added. "Whether it ended win, lose or draw, just knowing I had the support of my family, friends and players meant the world to me. Being a Carroll alum, I hope this is just the start and the first of many games in a long career."