WASHINGTON, D.C. – For 70 minutes the Gallaudet University men's soccer team found itself in a defensive struggle against visiting foe Washington Adventist University on a warm and muggy Thursday night at Hotchkiss Field before a lively crowd of 250. Both teams played the majority of the game in the midfield as neither team found the back of the net until a costly error by the Bison led to a penalty kick and the first goal for the Shock. WAU (1-0) later added an insurance goal with 10 minutes left in the game en route to the 2-0 victory. The loss spoiled the home opener for the Bison and the first game back for head coach Luis Gendive after being away from the program for three years.

Gallaudet (0-1) was whistled for a handball in its goalie box at the 70th minute which set-up the penalty kick for Washington Adventist. Erik Gutierrez lined up the ball and shot a hard shot past junior goalie Poloko Qobose (Gaborone, Botswana) to put the Shock on the scoreboard for the first time in 2010. Ten minutes later Abanda Nkwanyou blasted a hard shot past Qobose to give WAU the 2-0 lead with 10 minutes left.

Qobose was solid in goal for the Bison again as he picked up where he left off in 2009. He stopped six shots in the first half and six in the second half en route to 12 saves. Several of Qobose's saves were made a point-blank range and others he made acrobatic leaps and punches to deny the ball from crossing the goal line.

WAU owned a huge advantage with shots as the Shock outshot the Bison 29-3 in the game and took 11 corner kicks to Gallaudet's one. WAU goalie Jake Venolia ended the game with one save.

Gallaudet senior forward Zane Noschese (Pittsburgh, Pa.) had a golden opportunity to put the Bison up early as he had a break away at the nine minute mark but his shot sailed wide left.

GU remains at home and will host Potomac State College from West Virginia on Tuesday, September 7, at 6:30 p.m.