NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Trine University men's soccer team fell by the score of 1-0 to their regionally-ranked hosts from North Central (Ill.) College.

The Cardinals were ranked sixth in the latest United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III men's region VIII poll and showed why by locking down the Thunder defensively. Trine was only able to tally one shot in the contest, compared to 31 with eight on goal by the opposition.

The lone shot for the Thunder came off of a free kick in the offensive zone, in the waning minutes of the first half. Salvatore Orlandi came up with that shot and forced a save from the North Central keeper.

Despite the lopsided shot totals, the two teams were tied at intermission. Dillon Lambert entered the game in relief in the seventh minute of play and made a pair of saves in the first half to keep it scoreless and ultimately finished with seven saves, keeping the contest close.

The lone goal of the game came in the ninth minute of the second half, giving the home side their final lead of 1-0.

The Thunder fall to 1-8-1 overall after the loss. The team will enter the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) portion of the season when they next take the pitch. That contest will come against Albion College on Tuesday, October 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at home on Shive Field.