The Shippensburg University men's soccer team hung tough with defending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) champions Millersville for 80 minutes Wednesday, only to drop a 3-0 decision in its conference opener at Pucillo Field.
 
Shippensburg (1-2, 0-1 PSAC East) and Millersville (2-2, 1-0) each created a fair number of offensive opportunities, but struggled to turn those chances into goals.
 
After the Marauders took the lead in the 29th minute, the Raiders were able to stay within a single goal of the 'Ville for much of the contest, despite the hosts maintaining a 22-to-7 advantage in shots and a 9-to-2 edge in shots on target.
 
Shippensburg sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Krumenacker recorded five saves, turning aside several point-blank efforts.
 
A long ball over the top sprung Millersville forward Zander Leik for the opening goal.
 
Shippensburg's best chance occurred in the 31st minute. A mishit clearance by a Millersville defender on a Shippensburg throw-in fell to senior Victor Vottero in the box for a golden opportunity to level the score, only for Vottero to smash his shot off the crossbar.
 
In the 80th minute, Millersville's Matias Schmidt whipped an unstoppable strike past Krumenacker and into the side netting to double the Millersville lead. Haylen Thomas then capped the Marauders' late scoring surge with another long-range goal in the 89th minute.
 
Vottero led the Raiders with four shots, including one on goal.
 
The Raiders open their home slate Saturday afternoon when they host Slippery Rock. Kick-off from David See Field is set for 1:30 p.m.