Staff photo by Steve Muscatello New Ulm’s Andrew Dake (5) tries to get past Mankato East’s Colin Knutson during the first half Monday at NUHS. For more photos of this event go to cu.nujournal.com

NEW ULM — The New Ulm boys’ soccer team suffered their first loss of the season with a 2-0 defeat from Mankato East on Monday in nonconference action.

It was the second time the Eagles (2-1-3) have been shut out this season, the other time coming in a 0-0 tie with Waseca last week.

The Cougars had an early chance to score when Suleiman Haji was awarded a free kick with 28 minutes left in the first half. His kick sailed high and hit the crossbar to keep the game scoreless.

However, just 6 minutes later, the Cougars grabbed the lead when Haji redeemed himself, this time when he beat Matthew Janke to the right with 22:01 left in the half.

The Cougars and Eagles had equal chances to score in the first half but the Cougars were the only ones able to convert.

It appeared the Cougars scored almost midway through the second half, but the goal was waived off but the East player was ruled offsides to keep it 1-0. The Cougars added to the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining on an own-goal by the Eagles.

Wyatt Huard had eight shots on goal and Jack Howard had two for the Eagles.

Janke had 15 saves for the Eagles, who host Marshall at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday.