FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) - Even with a valiant second half comeback, the Marian men's soccer team would be left with a loss in overtime at the hands of UW-Whitewater, on Tuesday Oct. 8 at Smith Field. The Sabres left all they had on the pitch tonight, but it would not be enough as Whitewater found the net for the game-winner in the 96'.

After failing to produce a victory in their previous five matches, Marian returned to Smith Field Tuesday night to host UW-Whitewater, who came in with a 9-2 mark. Facing a squad that had seen glimpses in the National Top 25 rankings, the Sabres battled tough all night long. Whitewater held the advantage in the stats through the opening 45, putting five of their 12 shots on frame. The Warhawks broke the scoreless tie in the 45' thanks in part to junior John Gottwald's corner kick that found the head of freshman Dante Schiro.

Even though they were trailing at half, Marian refused to accept defeat, returning to the pitch in the second half with a breath of fresh life and intensity. Their efforts would pay off in the 55' when sophomore Zach Peltonen created a breakaway opportunity and beat Whitewater keeper Alex Buchman to the far post for the equalizer.

The two teams would claw, scratch, and bite their way for the rest of the half, but neither side could find a winner. At the end of regulation, the teams had fought to a 1-1 draw, forcing overtime.

Marian is no stranger to 90+ minute matches, as they've played in four before Tuesday. Once the whistle blew, the two sides returned to their hard fought physical battles all over the pitch. A free kick awarded to Whitewater in the 96' would be the difference maker. Sophomore Sam Novak slotted the free kick to the far post, and following a double deflection, junior Ryan Reid was able to connect inside the six and send the Warhawks to victory.

With the loss, the Sabres fall to 3-7-1 on the year, and suffer their sixth loss in a row. They will look to right the ship on Friday, as they travel to Rockford to face the Regents. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.