COLUMBUS, Ind. - University of Pikeville men's soccer was defeated 3-1 by the Indiana University-Columbus Crimson Pride in their 2024 season opener Saturday night. 
The Bears got off to a hot start and scored first in this one. Freshman Jakub Rus broke the scoreless tie in his UPIKE debut with a tally in the 12'. Rus finished the game tied with teammate Rafael Chevarria Aguayo with three shots each. UPIKE's other shot attempts came from Bruno Back and Guiliano Bruno with two each and Bruno Arenal and Samuel Cristancho with one shot each.  UPIKE finished the match with 12 shots, eight of which came in the first 45 minutes.
Despite UPIKE's offensive push in the first 45, they only manage to push one goal across. The Crimson Pride leveled the score at 1-1 when Jon Michael Bright scored in the 40'. The score was tied 1-1 at half, but did not stay tied for long. IU-Columbus went up 2-1 three minutes into the second half when Christian Cardoso connected with Angel Roque for the go-ahead goal. The Crimson Pride padded their lead in the 54' with a goal from Christian Cardoso to go up 3-1. 
The Bears had four shots on goal in the second half, two on goal, but were unable to push another goal across. UPIKE would fall to the Crimson Pride by a final count of 3-1.
Adam Di Millo got the start in net for the Bears. The senior goalkeeper from Vaughan, Ontario, Canada turned away four Crimson Pride shots on goal. Di Millo is now 0-1 on the year. 
With Saturday night's result, UPIKE drops to 0-1 on the season. The Bears' will return home Tuesday for their 2024 home opener against Midway University. The Bears and Eagles have a 4 PM kickoff at Bob Amos Park. 

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