SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - The Lawrence Tech men's soccer team lost its season opener 1-0 to Cleary (Mich.) University at the LTU Athletic field on Aug. 23.

Lawrence Tech (0-1) gave up the lone goal to Yonathan Soleyen who cranked a shot from 25 yards out to beat the LTU goalkeeper and gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute.

Joey Knoff (SO/Midland, MI) made seven saves in his return to the pitch after sitting out last season with a redshirt. Skyler Russ (SO/Rochester Hills, MI), Curtis Ackermann (SO/Kentwood, MI) and Christien Geiger (FR/Traverse City, MI) all had one-on-one chances in the second half but came up empty as the Blue Devils pressed to try and get the equalizer.

Justin Ritchey (SR/Willis, MI) finished the game with three shots on goal including a late opportunity that got away from him as he headed toward the net.

Matt Gibiec (FR/Saint Joseph, MI) finished the game with a team high four shots - two on goal - while David Veillette (SO/Lake Orion, MI) added three shots with one on goal.

For the Cougars, Hermex Toska had three shots on goal while Soleyen finished the game with one goal on two shots. Ludin Gonzales made eight saves for Cleary.

The Blue Devils return to the pitch on Saturday, August 30 when they travel to Goshen, Ind., to take on Goshen (Ind.) College at 8 pm.

Men's Soccer Coaches Interview from LTU Athletics on Vimeo.