Box Score ASHLAND, OH. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's soccer team suffered a 2-0 loss to Ashland University on Thursday evening. The result comes just a day after Wesleyan was ranked in the initial NCAA Regional Ranking of the 2024 season. The Panthers ran into an Ashland team with all the momentum, after a slow start to the season, the Eagles have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 matches. 
 
On a wind-swept pitch, the Panthers (9-4-3, 7-2-3 G-MAC) had to play against the strong breeze and were put back on the heals throughout the first half. The Eagles (9-6-1, 8-4-1 G-MAC) had exclusive control of possession through the first 45 minutes of play. 
 
In the 27^th minute the Eagles were awarded a free kick on the 18 after a yellow card. They took advantage with a pinpoint shot in the top right corner of the Panthers' net. The Panthers had one great opportunity in the 37^th minute off a corner kick to Adrian Stokke, whose header was saved from going under the crossbar. Ashland added another goal in the 40^th minute to take a 2-0 lead into intermission. 
 
Ashland outshot the Panthers 12-2 in the opening half and it did not get better in the second period. On the night the Eagles held a 23-6 edge in shots with a 9-4 advantage with shots on goal. 
 
The Panthers had a chance in the 55^th minute, but Pavel Valchev saw his shot blocked. Then again in the 78^thminute Callum Nolan's shot attempt was saved by keeper Ty Bowden. Valchev had another attempt in the 86^thminute, but again Bowden dove to the lower right of the net to keep a clean sheet intact. 
 
The Panthers will travel to Crestview Hills, KY. On Saturday to play Thomas More University. The match is scheduled for 3:30PM CT. 
 
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