WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University men's soccer team surrendered their first loss in over five games to Carthage by a heartbreaking score of 3-2. Josh Gonzaga tied the game with a goal in the 77^th minute, but Carthage retaliated with a game-winner in the 84^th minute.
 
The Pioneers (6-4, 1-1 CCIW) led with 10 shots to Carthage's nine, but the Firebirds had five shots on target compared to Carroll's four. Carthage rallied for seven shots in the second half. Gonzaga led the Pios with four shots on the night. Tyler Hanson took his second loss of the season after allowing three goals but came away with two saves in the process. The Pioneers held possession of the ball for 52% of the game but spent most of their time in the midfield.
 
The Firebirds took control of the game from the kickoff, scoring on a throw-in set-piece in the fourth minute. The Pioneers responded with a goal from Josh Venouziou, as the freshman scored for the third time in three straight games. Marti Solanella Viella assisted on the Pio goal. Both teams played tight the remainder of the first half, as Carroll held Carthage to just one more shot attempt.
 
The Pioneers began to threaten after a lengthy Carthage possession to begin the half, but after a misstep by the Carroll defender, the Firebirds played a deep ball up across midfield to an open defender who won the one-on-one battle with Hanson. After numerous Pioneer substitutions, Carroll finally began to get momentum back. After a shot from Nico Hinten Llorens was blocked, a header pass from Kevin Ramirez to Gonzaga gave the Pioneers life with the late goal. Gonzaga had another wide-open attempt five yards from the next that sailed high. The Firebirds broke the back line deep in Pioneer territory for the final time and scored late to take the victory.
 
Men's soccer will hit the road for the first time since September 10 for another CCIW match down at Elmhurst on Saturday, October 1 at 5 PM.