Rio Grande scored a goal in each half on Saturday evening and handed Lourdes its first loss of the 2020 season with a 2-0 victory over the Gray Wolves at Evan Davis Field in Rio Grande, Ohio.
 
"We fought hard, but Rio Grande is a team that is very well organized and put you under constant pressure," head coach Matt Johnson said afterwards.  "It was difficult to deal with the amount of stress they put us under for 90 minutes.  There is a reason why they are a good team.  We felt good about some things though, and this is a good stepping stone for us."
 
Diego Martinez put the Red Storm in front just past the midway point in the opening half.  Following a corner kick by Rodrigo Basso, Martinez scored on a quick touch in front of the goal at the 21:40 mark.
 
The Gray Wolves kept the shot totals close in the opening 45 minutes, with Rio Grande holding just an 8-6 advantage, including a 3-2 mark on goal.
 
Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Nicolas Cam Orellana scored on a lob from 25 yards out to put Rio Grande on top 2-0 with Charlie Chechlacz garnering the assist.
 
Rio Grande (2-1) finished the match with a 17-10 shot advantage, including an 8-4 edge on goal.  Farouk Amoo (South Holland, Ill./Thornwood H.S.) led Lourdes with three shots, two of which were on frame.
 
Ali Chokr (Bint Jbail, Lebanon/Fontainebleau [La.] H.S.) made six saves in goal for Lourdes while Kieran Hodges made four stops to earn the clean sheet for the Red Storm.
 
The Red Storm also finished the night with a 9-2 edge in corner kick opportunities.
 
Lourdes (1-1) match scheduled for Wednesday evening (Sept. 23) at Indiana East has been cancelled due to health concerns by the Red Wolves.  The Gray Wolves will now return to the pitch next Saturday (Sept. 26), as Lourdes hosts Concordia (Mich.) in non-conference action. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.