SAINT PETER, Minn. -- The University of Chicago men's soccer team opened its 2025 season with a hard-fought 2-1 loss at #19 Gustavus Adolphus on Friday afternoon.

The Maroons nearly struck just seconds into the contest. Kai Walsh whipped a cross to the back post that found Samuel Jimenez, but his header was denied by a point-blank save just 19 seconds into the match.

Gustavus responded with a pair of goals in quick succession. Sam Kaeding opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a left-footed strike from the right side of the box, and the senior forward doubled the lead five minutes later to make it 2-0.

UChicago cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 33rd minute. Walsh served a dangerous ball into the box that forced multiple saves, but the third attempt fell to Alex Gomas, who buried his chance for the Maroons' first goal of the season off an assist from Chase Perry.

The match shifted in the 37th minute when UChicago freshman Vaughn DeRath picked up a red card in the midfield to put the Maroons down a man for the final 53 minutes.

A weather delay in the 56th minute halted the action, but UChicago came out energized and pressed for an equalizer with multiple scoring opportunities. However, good goalkeeping and another lightning delay in the 72nd minute ultimately ended the match early, sealing the 2-1 Gustavus Adolphus victory.

Walsh led the Maroons with two shots on goal, while Alamery finished with three saves in net.

UChicago wraps up its Minnesota road swing on Sunday, traveling to face (RV) St. Olaf at 11:00 AM CT.