FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Wednesday evening the University of Saint Francis Cougars (7-3-1; 0-2 Crossroads) played host to the No. 7 Grace College Lancers (7-0-3; 2-0 Crossroads) at Bishop D'Arcy Stadium but after a strong first half fell 5-0.

After a tough loss on Saturday to open Crossroads League play against No. 12 Bethel, matters didn't come any easier for the Cougars with their second straight ranked opponent, but Saint Francis stayed determined.

During the first half, the Cougars and Lancers went back-and-forth through the first several minutes, but then the Lancers began to dominate the action, creating several scoring opportunities. But freshman goalkeeper Joe Deitering stepped up to make several key saves to keep the game scoreless.

The game went to halftime a scoreless tie with Deitering making three saves while the Cougars managed two shots on net.

Heading into the second half the pressure continued to mount on the Cougars with the Lancers continuing their attack on offense. However, in the 60^th minute, a costly foul on the Cougars in front of their net led to a penalty kick for the Lancers, and it went in to give Grace a 1-0 lead.

Less than a minute later the Lancers kept coming, knocking in their second goal in under 60 seconds to double the lead. Grace showed just why their ranked number seven in the NAIA as they kept their momentum intact while getting a third in the 67^th minute, and a couple more in the 70^th and 72^nd minute as the Cougars suffered the tough loss after a strong first half.

Throughout the game the Cougars managed three shots on net while Deitering made six saves.

The Cougars resume play on Saturday evening when they travel to Goshen, Indiana to take on the Goshen College Maple Leafs (0-7-2; 0-1 Crossroads) starting at 7:00 pm.

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.