TIFFIN, Ohio -- The 3-0 start to the season by the Heidelberg University men's soccer team was upended on Friday by Trine University. The Student Princes were defeated 2-1 in their first trip back to Hidden Valley Soccer complex since the 2019 season. 

Heidelberg slipped to 3-1 while the Thunder improved to 3-1. 

Both teams battled fiercely in the first half with only one chance at a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. Trent Green had the honor of taking that shot with a free kick near midfield which he placed high and on frame of the goal. 

Despite the lack of shots on goal, Trine was taking chances and had six shots as a team in the opening half of play. 

Heidelberg had a good chance to take a lead in the 49th minute. Ilyes Bouguetof was sent on a through ball into the penalty area. His shot was saved by Luis Rodriguez but a deflection gave Rafael Bellucci Marin an opening on the goal. Despite the opening, Bellucci Marin's shot was high of the goal. 

Trine scored the first goal of the game in the 54th minute. Francesco Mazzei scored on a free kick from just outside the penalty area. 

The Thunder extended its lead in the 63rd minute when a ball was popped out to the side to an open Alhusein Yahya who scored on a crossing shot. The assist was credited to Mazzei. 

Heidelberg finally got on the board in the 74th minute. Kelly Itito was sent into Thunder territory and broke loose for the goal. He drew the keeper out to him and made a final pass to Bellucci Marin who was open in the middle of the field for the score. 

An equalizing goal almost came for The Berg in the 86th minute. Bellucci Marin gathered the ball after a Heidelberg free kick and took a shot from the edge of the penalty area. If not for a Trine team save, the Student Princes would have leveled the score late in the game. 

Heidelberg was out-shot 12-7 but had the advantage in shots on goal 4-3. 

Sigurd Ilestad recorded one save in the goal. 

The Student Princes will play at Wooster on Tuesday with a kickoff time of 5 p.m.