MILWAUKEE, Wisc. - The Goshen College women's soccer team dropped its season opener 4-1 to Viterbo University (Wisc.) at the Cardinal Stritch University Labor Day Weekend Tournament Friday night.

"Once the game started, we faced a very aggressive and determined Viterbo side," second-year Fabio dos Santos said.  "From my experience with them, every game is hard-fought in the middle and the strongest willed player would win.  That is what happened!  Merit to Viterbo and their players!"

Three second-half goals was enough to sink the Maple Leafs in their official 2012 debut.  Their lone tally came in the 78th minute off the foot of junior Dana Christner (Goshen, Ind.).  Senior Lynn Weaver (Goshen, Ind.) had seven saves in the losing effort.

"Our girls knew what they wanted, but many individual mistakes and lack of patience cost us the game," dos Santos continued.  "It was a very fair game and the stats will show that.  Even though we made mistakes, it tells me that when we get together, we will be a strong team."

On the night, the Maple Leafs were only out shot by one (16-15).  They also were edged in shots on goal, but only by two (11-9).

"I can truly say that they played with heart and fought to the last minute," dos Santos added.  "What went against us was the small details, which can and will be fixed.  I believe playing against Viterbo was a great lesson.  To the freshman, it showed them how aggressive and competitive college soccer is and for the upperclassmen, it was a reminder that the stakes are higher than ever before.  I do believe in my girls and I know that they will learn from this bump to become a better team."

Goshen (0-1) will return to action in the tournament when they take on William Penn University (Iowa) Monday night in Milwaukee.