MENOMONIE — The University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic men's soccer team defeated Beloit College 2-1 in the 2026 season opener on Wednesday.

The Blue Devils were led by Logan Bergien, who scored the game-winning goal, added an assist, and finished with three points on two shots. Kevin Lowery opened the scoring for Stout, finding the net with one of his two attempts on goal. Patrick Zich contributed an assist and led Stout with four shots, including three on target. Goalkeeper Lucas Biederman played the full 90 minutes, making three key saves for the win.

The match began with Stout navigating a foul-heavy opening, securing an early corner in the sixth minute. Biederman then saved a shot from Matteo Jijon. Shortly after, Lowery netted the first goal off Bergien's assist at 9:08, giving Stout a 1-0 advantage. Stout continued their offensive pressure with additional corners and shots from Sven Oberg, Lowery, and Zich. Beloit responded with attempts from Marco Marin Castillo and Marco Jijon, including a missed Matteo Jijon penalty in the 21^st minute. Bergien extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal from Zich at 26:59, and Biederman later denied another Marin Castillo attempt at 30:45. Trey White nearly added to the lead with a shot off the crossbar at 40:06.

In the second half, the Blue Devils maintained pressure with early corner kicks and a saved shot by Zich at 51:24. The game intensified with multiple fouls and yellow cards, and Beloit narrowed the gap to 2-1 with Pearce St. John scoring at 66:03 from Royce Rodriguez's assist. Stout responded with attempts from Bergien and Boyden Chaon, including a saved shot at 72:57. Additional corners at 78:59 and 84:49 kept the pressure on, and helped secure the 2-1 victory for Stout.

Next, the Blue Devils will travel to De Pere, Wisconsin, to face St. Norbert College on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m. at Donald J. Schneider Stadium.