NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team (7-4-5) hung close against No. 3 St. Olaf (15-1-3) but were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 2-1 loss on Tuesday afternoon from Rolf Mellby Field in Northfield, Minnesota.

St. Olaf jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the fourth minute of the contest. The hosts added another goal later in the first half, after a deflected shot found the back of the net in the 22nd minute.

The Pioneers cut the deficit in half in the early stages of the second frame, as senior Danny Gutzwiller tapped a deflected ball over the keeper in the 51st minute. His fifth goal of the season was assisted by freshman Roberto Salinas.

Both defenses tightened over the final 39 minutes, with the two teams combining for just six total shot attempts. UW-Platteville had two of those tries, but were unable to find the equalizer as St. Olaf secured the one-goal win.

The Pioneers held a 10-9 advantage in shots for the contest, including 5-4 in shots on goal. Gutzwiller paced the team with three shots, all on target, while senior Ethan Dietrich and junior Thomas Gaither had the other two looks on net.

In goal, senior Seth Aiken came away with two saves on four shots faced.

UW-Platteville wraps up the regular season at UW-Whitewater on Friday night in the annual Shaymus Guinn Cup. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.