MEN’S SOCCER

The Warriors of Indiana Tech handed the HU men’s soccer team its first loss, a 3-2 decision, under the lights Monday night. It was the first road trip of the season for the Foresters as they drop to 2-1.

Tech scored twice in the opening 21 minutes to put Huntington in a tough spot right away, but Lawson’s crew wasn’t about to throw in the towel. The Warriors maintained their 2-0 lead through the first frame, but a chance to regroup at the break definitely favored the visitors.

“Indiana Tech is a quality side that took it to us in the first half,” said Lawson. “The encouraging sign was that we responded and played a good second half of soccer.

“Being on the ball is something that we pride ourselves on and we allowed Tech too much of the ball in the first 45 minutes and they punished us.”

Huntington went to work right away and got their payoff when Luke Unger smashed in the rebound from Jake Erlandson’s header that ricocheted off the post.

Unger’s second goal of the year came just under five minutes into the period and certainly gave new life to the visitors. Unfortunately, what proved to be the game-winner came on an own goal by HU off a corner kick in the 62nd minute.

Despite two goals separating the two teams again, Lawson’s crew continued their pressure, and with just under five minutes remaining, Ben Arnold dropped a ball to Ty Sproat, who rocketed a shot back, netting from the top of the 18. However, there were no late-game heroics as the hosts were able to ride out their one-goal advantage for the win.

Through three matches, six different Foresters have already found back netting which includes Unger and Matheus Louzada each tallying a pair.

Tech has logged four consecutive wins over HU since 2010, which includes a 2-1 decision last season.

“This is the second straight year we lost to Tech by an own goal, and that stings,” said Lawson. “The bottom line is that we have to be better on both sides of the ball, and I have full confidence we will be.”

The Foresters will have a chance to get back on track Friday when they face Park Point at 2:30 p.m. as part of the Lawrence Tech Blue Devil Classic.