MOUNT VERNON – A matchup between men's soccer unbeatens lived up to the billing Sunday afternoon in Cornell's home opener.
 
The Rams battled their way back from an early two-goal deficit, although UW-Whitewater answered in the closing stages and escaped with a 3-2 victory.
 
The Warhawks capitalized on a free kick opportunity at the 87:18 mark as Jacob Mouille drove the decisive goal into the left corner of the net, moving UW-Whitewater to 3-0-1 on the season.
 
The Rams (2-1), who shut out their first two opponents this fall, got hit with a pair of quick goals by the Warhawks in the opening five minutes of the contest.
 
Cornell's defense settled in and momentum turned later in the first half. Freshman Justice Toledo put the Rams on the scoreboard with his first collegiate goal in the 30th minute. Then with only three seconds left in the half, Aidan Lerch made good on a pass from George Archer that tied it at 2-2.
 
The match was as tight as the final score indicated with both teams recording 15 shots and six saves. Cornell goalkeeper Jeremy Spina worked all 90 minutes and notched four second-half saves.
 
Sam Burmeister, Toledo and Lerch paced Cornell's attack with four shots apiece.
 
The Rams held their own against a talented UW-Whitewater team that has only lost one match in its last 23 contests.  
 
Coming up – The Rams are back home Wednesday for a 5 p.m. match against Simpson.