This article was originally published prior to June 2, 2013. Due to a change in the content management systems, the initial publication date in not available. 

The Baker University men’s soccer team faced yet another National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics preseason top 25 team, and again the Wildcats couldn’t compete, losing 3-1 to Hastings College Sunday.

Head coach Alan Koch said he was very disappointed with his team’s play against Hastings.

“Playing at home, coming off a disappointing loss, you would have thought we would have showed more character out there,” Koch said. “It was a very disappointing game.”

Hastings jumped out to an early lead, scoring inside the first 20 minutes.

Later in the first half, Baker failed to get back on defense, and Hastings scored its second goal.

To begin the second half, Koch inserted five new players, including several underclassmen.

Koch said he felt the underclassmen had a good showing in the second half.

“The young guys did fantastic in the second half for us,” Koch said. “They showed us how we, as a team, need to play for 90 minutes.”

Midway through the second half, Wildcat forward Gerard Grehan found the back of the net, scoring the only goal of the game for the ‘Cats.

Hastings’ final goal was assisted by the Wildcats – a cross kick from a Hastings forward deflected off the leg of a Baker defender.

In a game on Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa, the Wildcats lost 1-0 to Grand View College.

Along with facing tough opponents, injuries have hurt the ‘Cats as well, Koch said.

“We are missing a couple of leaders, which doesn’t help,” Koch said. “But it is not an excuse.”

The injury list for the Wildcats includes seniors Scott Appell, Marty Johnston and Nathan Chiarelli.

Chiarelli said he hopes to be back within the next two to three weeks.

“I get the boot on my foot taken off this week,” Chiarelli said. “Hopefully, I will be back next week or the week after.”

The men’s soccer team will travel north to play Simon Fraser University and Concordia University Friday and Saturday in Portland, Ore.