The Wilmington College men's soccer team lost its second straight Ohio Athletic Conference home game when they fell to Mount Union Saturday, 2-1, at Charlie Gilhart Field in a game flush with physicality.

A total of 25 fouls and four yellow cards were issued between the two teams. Three different players, including junior Taylor Estes (Reading, OH/Reading), was forced to leave the game due to blood.

"The kids battled hard tonight," said head coach Bud Lewis. "It just seems like we aren't creating enough dangerous chances. The players are working hard and we are just not getting rewarding with a goal."

With the loss, Wilmington (4-9-1 overall) falls to 1-2 in the OAC with an unbeaten Capital team on the horizon Wednesday in a game that could mean the season for the Quakers.

"It's very important for us," said Lewis. "If we want to get back in the race, we have to do it now. We are going to have to start beating good teams."

Despite all three goals being scored in the second half, each team took their turns in dominating a half. From nearly the opening minute, when the Fightin' Quakers presented its first dangerous opportunity, and for the entire opening half – Wilmington took it to the visiting Purple Raiders.

Unfortunately, they couldn't get any of their nine shots – four of which were on goal – past the Mount Union keeper. Defensively, WC held Mount Union without a shot in the first half.

It didn't take long in the second half for UMU to find its offensive rhythm as they broke the scoreless tie 17 minutes into the second half. They added a critical insurance goal in the 72nd minute.

Wilmington, now down two goals, became the aggressive unit, and 21 seconds after falling behind 2-0 – the Fightin' Quakers took advantage of a yellow card in the box. Junior Daniel Wick (Cincinnati, OH/Reading) scored on a penalty kick to pull WC to within one.

The Fightin' Quakers were able to create a couple more chances in the waning moments, but couldn't net the equalizer. The best Wilmington chance came as a header by junior Drew Fields (Cincinnati, OH/Mariemont) hit the post.

"This point last season, Drew was able to get two goals on headers, and today he was denied by the post," said Lewis. "The game is a matter of inches."

Senior Anton Niklasson played the entire 90 minutes at goal, securing three saves.