ELSAH, IL – The Principia men's soccer team put together one of its stronger performances of the young season on Tuesday night, battling a talented WashU side for the full 90 minutes despite falling 2-0.

The Panthers were under pressure throughout the opening half, but goalkeeper Edgar Cartagena and the Principia defense repeatedly turned the Bears away. Cartagena made three saves in the opening nine minutes and finished the half with five as Principia held WashU scoreless despite 10 first-half shots. The Panthers created chances of their own as well, but the teams went into halftime tied 0-0.

WashU finally broke through with a goal in the 51st minute, but Principia refused to go away after falling behind. Cartagena and the defense continued to withstand WashU's pressure and giving the attack opportunities to find an equalizer. A late strike by the Bears in the 85th minute provided the final margin in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggested.

Principia will head back on the road for its next contest, traveling to Indiana to take on another strong opponent in Wabash College on Saturday, September 26 at 5:00 PM ET.