FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A pair of first-half goals by Shane Anderson held up as Purdue Fort Wayne knocked off the Milwaukee men's soccer team in a 2-0 defeat Saturday afternoon at Hefner Soccer Complex.
 
In the process, the Mastodons (3-2-1, 1-0 Horizon League) handed the Panthers (2-1-2, 0-1 Horizon League) their first loss of the season after they had gotten off to their best start to a new campaign since 2013.
 
Reigning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week Nic Diana kept his strong play going in goal for the 'Dons, posting his third consecutive shutout behind the strength of three saves.
 
It took the MKE offense a bit to get going, but they found chances immediately after falling behind in the 20^th minute. A free kick from Angel Gongora forced a tough save and a corner a few minutes later provided a solid look in front from Daiki Kumakawa, but it was blocked and sent just wide.
 
The Mastodons then benefitted from a fortunate bounce, as a spectacular save from Daniel Ibarra ricocheted right to the open Anderson, who pounced for his second goal at the 32:21 mark.
 
Milwaukee kept pressing, nearly pulling one back in the 36^th minute. It was Kumakawa again, laying off a nice pass to David Cox in the middle. Cox's look had the keeper frozen, but it went clanging off the right post. Just a minute later, it was another near-goal, only to see a full-out diving stop by Diana prevent a impressive shot from Alan Lopez from getting in at the post.
 
The second half was more of the same story, as the defense buckled down and did not allow any threats the rest of the way. The team had a good look off an indirect free kick in the box get blocked in the 68th, and Cox just missed another when he volleyed back a poor clearance from the goalkeeper only to see it go inches wide of the right post in the 69th minute.
 
Purdue Fort Wayne ended the afternoon with small advantages of 10-to-8 in shots, and just 4-to-3 in shots on goal, while Milwaukee had four of the seven corners in the match. A physical affair, the teams combined for 39 fouls and 11 cards.
 
Up next, the Panthers will take the field next against Wright State for the league home opener Saturday, set for a 1 p.m. start.