The Spartans, falling to 1-6, gave St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference member Webster a stern test for 90 minutes on the campus of North Central College. Senior midfielder/forward Dian Radev (Burgas, Bulgaria) tallied his team-leading third goal in the first half to knot the contest at 1-1, while junior defender/midfielder Matt Suderman (Bluffton, Ohio) earned his first of the year in the 72^nd minute. Suderman's goal, off an assist from senior midfielder Carson McFadden (Elgin, Ill.) trimmed the Gorlocks' lead to the eventual final of 3-2, but Coach Dave Good's squad couldn't get the equalizer in the final 28 minutes.

MU trailed Webster by just one in the shots column (10-9). Radev's four attempts led the Black and Gold. Senior goalkeeper Grant Noakes (LaPorte, Ind.) ended with two saves in net.

The Spartans return to the road for an in-state clash against National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' member Goshen Wednesday, Sept. 19. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at the Goshen College Soccer Complex.