Millersville Pa. - The men's soccer team was able to strike for a quick goal in the first 10 minutes of play Saturday afternoon against the District of Columbia Firebirds. But the Firebirds had an answer as they scored two of their own first half goals to beat Millersville 2-1 at Pucillo Field. 
 
With the loss, the Marauders are now winless in their last four matches falling to 1-4-1 on the season. Meanwhile, the Firebirds, who are currently ranked No. 7 in the East Region polls, improved to 4-1-1. 
 
Millersville was able to get on the board at the 8:24 mark, when Jaime Vazquez delivered a decisive through ball that left Jesse Zimmerman with a one-one-one opportunity with the Firebird goalkeeper Louis Connor. Zimmerman was able use an angle advantage to beat Louis Connor for his second goal of the season. 
 
But only four minutes later, a questionable call inside the box by the officials led to Firebird midfielder Nenad Smiljanic converting on his second penalty kick goal of the season to level things up 1-1. Millersville was able to get a couple of good opportunities to pull away before the half time break as they fired eight more shots, but none of which was able to find the back of the net. Meanwhile the District of Columbia squad was able to net the game winner three minutes before the 1st half ended, as Diego Alvarado crossed a ball inside the box that found teammate Elio Hernandez who beat Marauder goalkeeper David Brubaker for the goal.
 
There was no equalizer for the Marauders in the second half, but there were quality chances. Midfielder Christopher Sosa ripped a shot at the 58:49 mark from 25-yards out that clanked off the cross bar over the net. Louis Connor was also able to corral a Jaime Vazquez effort that was curling towards the bottom corner of net.
 
Next up for the Marauders will be the opening match of PSAC play when they square off against Slippery Rock. The game will take place at Pucillo Field and is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m.