ELMHURST, Ill. - The Elmhurst University men's soccer team dropped its 2025 season opener, falling 3-0 to Aurora University at Langhorst Field.

With the loss, Elmhurst starts the season at 0-1, while Aurora improves to 1-0.

Aurora struck quickly, netting the game's opening goal just 2:41 into the contest when Walter Delapaz finished a feed from Branden Dolezal. The Spartans doubled their lead in the 18th minute as Dolezal converted off an assist from Josue Roman to make it 2-0. Despite a missed Aurora penalty kick later in the half, Elmhurst generated chances of its own, with shots from Dario Gutierrez, Ryan Wells, and Isaac Puchalla forcing saves from Aurora goalkeeper Alex Ageladelis.

The Bluejays continued to press in the second half, producing seven shots and six corner kicks after the break. Gutierrez and Max Aquino each had quality looks on goal, but Ageladelis stood tall in net, finishing with six saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Aurora sealed the win in the 84th minute when Roman tallied his first goal of the season to stretch the margin to three. Elmhurst goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin recorded six saves in the contest, keeping the Bluejays within striking distance throughout. Both teams finished with 12 shots, while Elmhurst held a narrow 10-8 edge in corner kicks.

The Bluejays return to action on Sunday, Aug. 31, on the road at Rockford University.