LIBERTY, Mo. - The William Jewell men'm soccer team opened the 2021 season on Saturday at home. The Cardinals hosted Colorado Christian, falling 2-1. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Colorado Christian got on the board early with a goal by Gabe Roloff in the 16th minute. 
• The Cardinals got off four shots on goal before the end of the first half, three of which came from Ethan Nichols, but the CCU keeper kept Jewell off the board. 
• Early in the second half Nichols broke away, got past the keeper, and took a shot from 10 yards out but a Cougar defender made an incredible save to again send the Cardinals away empty. 
• In the 74th minute, CCU added to their lead with a goal by Tobi Osifodunrin, scoring off a rebound. 
• Jewell broke through in the 88th minute as Sage Smotherman headed a cross off the corner from Mikhail McCombie to cut the lead in half but it that was all the Cardinals would get. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Jewell posted 16 shots, to CCU's 15, as Nichols led the way with a career high five shots, including four on goal. 
• Walker Bond, Cole Bulgren and Carson Lee had two shots apiece. 
• Eli Gratz finished with five saves. 

UP NEXT
Jewell continues non-conference action next Wednesday as they travel to Claremore, Oklahoma for a match up with Rogers State University.