Pride net a goal each half to shutout Loras 2-0

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Taking a trip down the road to Rock Bowl Stadium, the Clarke University men's soccer team opened their 2022 season with a 2-0 win over Loras College on Sunday afternoon.

The Pride scored in each half, making the most of their opportunities and keeping Loras off the board even though the Duhawks took more shots and had more corner kick opportunities.

Loras had a couple of close calls in the first half with the score still 0-0 as they were able to slide a shot underneath CU keeper Jan Paule but Alejandro Valverde was able to slide in and keep it in play before it crossed the line. LC also hit the cross bar on a header attempt from a corner kick in the first half to make two near-goal situations that would have put Loras up 1-0 early.

Clarke took advantage of a free kick opportunity as Jose Gomez stepped to the ball and found the back of the net for the Pride's first goal of the season. Luke Persenico extended the lead to 2-0 in the 73rd minute receiving a cross in space from Gada Ambo as Persenico buried the shot near post to the game sealer.

Paule was a late addition to the starting lineup in goal for CU as Fernando Contreras suffered a minor injury during pregame warmups as the fifth-year senior made three saves in the first half. Contreras was able to recover to play all of the second half as he wasn't officially tested with a shot on goal but had to make many plays on the ball to thwart Duhawk opportunities.

Clarke men's soccer will remain on the road through non-conference action as they will play next on Thursday, Sept. 1 on the road at Judson University for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff.