CHICAGO, Ill. - The Illinois Tech men's soccer team opened up the home schedule on Sunday with a match against a strong University of Texas-Dallas team. A slow first half was too much to overcome as Tech fell 3-0.

How it Happened

• The Comets showed early on why they've been able to reach the NCAA Division III Tournament in each of the past two seasons, controlling possession for most of the first 45 minutes. Just four minutes into the match, Brad Rivenes put UT-D on the board off of a set piece pass from Kevin Whatley.
• Despite being outshot 9-2 in the first half, the Hawks managed to keep the Comets at bay for a while after the first goal. However, UT-D found the back of the net again at the 39 minute mark courtsey of Jude Anuwe to go up 2-0 heading into halftime.
• The second half saw the Scarlet Hawks generate some more chances, but it was still the Comets who brought the onslaught early. UT-D attempted seven shots in the half's first 10 minutes, four of which were on net and saved by Anastasios Manolis.
• The Comets scored the second half's lone goal at the 80 minute mark, coming off of the foot of Hernan Ramos.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Norikazu Honda led the Scarlet Hawks with four shots.
• Both Honda and Mazen Al Hourani each attemped a shot on goal.
• Noah Griffith attemped two shots.
• Manolis recorded nine saves.

For the Foes

• In addition to the assist, Whatley led the Comets with five shots.

Stats to Know

• The Comets outshot the Hawks 20-8 and attempted 12 shots on net compared to Tech's two.
• UT-D committed 12 fouls compared to just six for the Scarlet Hawks.
• The Comets attempted five corner kicks. Tech was unable to generate any corners.

Up Next

• The Scarlet Hawks will head to Wisconsin next weekend for matches on Friday and Sunday. Tech will oppose Milwaukee School of Engineering on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Live coverage links will be made available if provided by MSOE.