Box Score CLEVELAND—The Statesmen soccer team began their 2011 season in rough fashion Saturday afternoon. The Statesmen gave up two second half goals to the Panthers, as Drury University (1-1) came away with the 2-0 victory.

The game was scoreless in the throughout the first half, as neither team mustered much offense. That changed for the panthers in the second half, when Eric Hass scored the game's first goal to give Drury the lead. Already up by a goal, the Panthers' Jack Mathis added a second goal for Drury getting an assist from Jesse Williams.

The Statesmen (0-1) had chances late to get back into the game. Drury Goalkeeper Stephen Connor crashed into the Statesmen's Tom Santos, and Delta State was awarded a penalty kick. Matthew Baker took the kick for the Statesmen, but Connor was able to come up with the save. The save helped the Panthers come away with the victory.

It was a physical game for both sides. The Statesmen were called for 15 fouls, and the Panthers committed nine.

The Statesmen will look to get back on track Tuesday Sept. 6, as they take on Williams Baptist. That match will get underway at Delta Field at 3 :00 p.m. If you cannot make it out to Delta Field on Tuesday, you can catch all the action on the Statesmen Radio Network.