ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings men's soccer team dropped their CCIW home opener against the Carroll Pioneers on Saturday by a score of 1-0.

The Vikings had a strong showing on defense throughout the game, beginning with five saves out of six Pioneers shots on target in the opening half. Carroll notched the lone goal of the half and game after 23 minutes of action and held Augie without a shot in the first half.

Returning to the field, the Vikings and Pioneers saw another defensive battle to close out the game. Ismail Bennani attempted the Vikings' first shot off of a freekick in the 53rd minute. Five minutes later, George Rucker collected a shot of his own off of a corner kick. Diego San Pedro, Jimmie Kucaba, and Jackson Binder also tallied shots for Augie in the remaining 30 minutes of play. 

Benjamin Samuelson saved 12 shots in his 90 minutes in goal. 

With the loss, Augie moves to 3-3-1 on the season and 0-2 in conference action. The Vikings will be back in action at home for a mid-week contest against North Central on Wednesday, October 9.