JOLIET, Ill. — The Milwaukee Area Technical College men's soccer team couldn't overcome an early 2-0 halftime deficit, falling to 0-8-1 after a 3-1 road loss to Joliet Junior College on Saturday.

"We'll take this as a learning opportunity—both in how we start games and how we respond under pressure," MATC head coach Aron "Buddy" Gentry said. "Credit to our guys for continuing to battle."

JJC asserted itself as the aggressor early, recording 24 shots—12 on goal—and converting three into scores. The Wolves broke a scoreless tie when Stormers starting goalkeeper Sam Kulibert surrendered goals in the 10th and 26th minutes. Joliet added its third tally in the 58th minute to maintain momentum in the second half.

Freshman midfielder Edwin Espinosa ended the Stormers' scoring drought in the 77th minute, finishing off an assist from fellow freshman Habibul R. Abdul.

"We conceded two goals early in the first half, which put us on the back foot," Gentry said. "Despite pushing to get back into the game, JJC added a third after the break. We pulled one back, but the early deficit was too much to overcome."

Collectively, the Stormers recorded seven shots on goal, while starting keeper Kulibert made 12 saves and allowed three goals over 90 minutes.

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MATC (0-8-1) will look to regroup Wednesday when they host Kishwaukee at 2 p.m.