DECORAH, IOWA. – The University of Chicago Maroons handed the Norse their first of the season after scoring two goals in the second half to win 2-1.
 
A TALE OF TWO HALVES
 
Coming into the game today was a test for both teams. Luther was looking for a chance to upset the third ranked team in the country. The Norse came out offensively strong even frustrating the Maroons at times throughout the first half. The game's first goal didn't come until the 38^th minute of play after a handball was called on the Maroons. Javier Pastor Valls (Mutxamel, Spain/The Kiski School (PA) got the Chicago goalkeeper to guess the wrong way sending the ball into the left side. The Norse took the 1-0 lead into the break.
 
In the second half it seemed like the University of Chicago made adjustments but Luther was right there with them. But the Maroons used their height to their advantage and off a corner kick that was sent to the far side of the box for Naz Kabbani to flick it in with his head in the 60^th minute. The Norse looked for any way to penetrate the Maroons back line but it wasn't easy as the clock ticked on. With two minutes left to play the game would end in heartbreak as Ryan Shea scored the game winner for the University of Chicago.  
 
TOP NORSE
 

• Sophomore Javier Pastor Valls (Mutxamel, Spain/The Kiski School (PA) led the team with four shots on and scored the Norse lone goal off the penalty kick.
• Sophomore Jack Bell (Madison, Wis./Madison Memorial) tallied four great saves on the day.

 
UP NEXT
It's a few days of rest before traveling to Northfield, Minnesota to face off with St. Olaf on Tuesday September 20^th. The kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.
 
For all the latest on Luther Men's Soccer, stay tuned to luthernorse.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.