Quentin Dreilich scored the first goal of the 2018 season on a penalty kick (photo credit: Michael Gombar).
Posted: Aug 31, 2018
CHICAGO, Ill. – Neither mother nature nor the Ripon College Red Hawks could spoil the Illinois Tech men's soccer home opener on Friday night. In a wild contest that featured several on-field delays and a 112-minute stoppage in play due to severe storms, the Scarlet Hawks prevailed 2-0 to earn a victory in game one of the 2018 campaign.
How it Happened
- After three shots in the first nine minutes, the Scarlet Hawks would score the first goal of 2018 on a penalty kick. Quentin Dreilich's first goal of his senior season was a PK tally in the top right corner of the net.
- With 15:51 left to play in the first half, the rains came. Despite the forecast calling for clear skies prior to the match, a pop-up thunderstorm resulted in a delay of one hour and 52 minutes, forcing the teams to retreat to indoor safety.
- The teams returned to the field shortly before 10:00 p.m. Ripon came out with some added energy, but the Scarlet Hawks still dominated possession.
- In the second half, the Scarlet Hawks would increase its lead thanks to a pair of freshmen. Jacob Westerhoff showed some great skills on the move, finding Conner Shaw for the goal on the right side to double Tech's lead.
- The offense would quiet down for Tech down the stretch, but the play on the field would be spirited. After a stoppage in play that resulted in offsetting red cards, the Scarlet Hawks cruised to the victory.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
- Shaw was a presence all game, tallying a game-high eight shots, three shots on goal, and his first tally.
- Dreilich's PK goal was on one of his two shots.
- Westerhoff added an assists on Shaw's goal.
- Both Santiago Bartolome and Luigi Michelin took four shots.
Stats to Know
- Shots were greatly in favor of Tech, outdoing Ripon 24-6. The Scarlet Hawks took 12 shots in each half.
- Tech committed 12 fouls compared to Ripon's seven.
- Tech won the corner kick battle 5-1.
Up Next
- Arguably Tech's toughest test of the season already awaits. The Scarlet Hawks will host North Park University, who is ranked #2 in all of NCAA Division III according to the United Soccer Coaches Association Preseason Poll, on Sunday. The match is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Live audio, video, and stats will be available. The live audio will be powered by Illinois Media School.