MORRIS, Minn. – The Northland College Men's Soccer team was defeated 3-1 by the University of Minnesota, Morris on Saturday afternoon in Morris, Minn., in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play. Senior Julien Ruoppolo scored his second goal of the season from the penalty spot.
 
The Cougars tested Rodrigo Chavez early and the freshman goalkeeper made four saves in the first six minutes. Minnesota Morris found the back of the net first in the 25^th minute. Northland held UMM off the board for the remainder of the half. Chris Gomez and Frank Mozqueda had early shots on target for NC but couldn't beat the keeper.
 
The Cougars doubled their lead four minutes into the second half. Northland continued to press and drew a penalty kick in the 63^rd minute. Ruoppolo stepped up to the spot and cut the lead to one. The LumberJacks continued to take shots but couldn't get level. UMM put the game away in the 84^th minute with its third goal of the game.
 
Northland recorded nine shots with five on frame. Gomez led the Jacks with four shots with three testing the keeper. Mozqueda and Ruoppolo had the other two shots on target. Ruoppolo's goal was his second of the season and third of his career. Chavez in net made 15 saves.
 
The LumberJacks' next action is on Tuesday when they travel to Crown College for a 4:30 p.m., kickoff.
 
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference, and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.