Box Score GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University men's soccer team owned the advantage most of the night in their home opener against Spring Arbor. However, despite a big shot on goal edge it took a late goal by freshman Alex Mendez to send the nation's top team home a winner, 2-1, on Wednesday night. Mendez took a direct free kick from about 25 yards straight on and slipped the ball lower right corner for his first goal of the season as DU improved to 4-1-1 overall with the victory.

T.J. Ifaturoti got the Panthers on the board in the 12th minute with an assist from Jake Love. Ifaturoti's team-leading sixth of the season seemed to set the tone. The Panthers carried that lead into the second half and peppered away with several shots on goal in the opening minutes. Spring Arbor kept the ball out of their net and then got a break as Adam Hunt scored his first of the season in the 58th minute past a diving Aaron Orban.

The Panthers continued the pressure and it finally paid off with Mendez game-winner as time was starting to wind down in the match. Davenport finished with 17 shots on goal and Cougar goalkeeper Cobi Piper kept his team in the match with 15 saves. 10 of those saves ended up coming in the second half alone. Love led the Panthers with four shots on goal.