CHICAGO - Despite playing shorthanded with just three substitutes, the Roosevelt men's soccer team gave defending NAIA national champion and third-ranked Central Methodist (Mo.) all it could handle on Saturday, as the Lakers fell narrowly to the Eagles by a final of 1-0 at Stuart Field.

Mario Graciano made six saves for the Lakers (2-3-0), who only allowed a seventh-minute goal to Marcos German.

While that was enough in the end for Central Methodist (6-1-0), Roosevelt's defense held firm against further threats and allowed the Lakers' offense to have a chance at the equalizer on a number of occasions. Second-half shots by Eduardo Hernandez, Albert Arabik and Gerardo Flores just missed the mark at tying the match.

The Lakers held last year's top team scoreless for the final 83 minutes without the services of several players, a far cry from last year's result between the two teams and further proof that Roosevelt has a chance to be a force to be reckoned with as league play nears.

Roosevelt will open CCAC play next Saturday, Sept. 21 against Governors State at SeatGeek Stadum in Bridgeview at 2:30 p.m. following the women's soccer match between the two sides.