By Eric Willuweit

Chicago, Ill. - The expression in sports that a "game wasn't as close as the score would indicate" would certainly apply to the Illinois Tech women's soccer team's season-opening 2-1 victory over Carthage College Thursday night in a non-conference matchup at Stuart Field. The Scarlet Hawks open the season 1-0. The Firebirds begin the 2022 campaign 0-1.

Despite the close score, the Scarlet Hawks put on a dominating performance, outshooting the Firebirds 27-3 in the contest. The Hawks misfired on several prime chances, and Carthage first-year goalkeeper Ainsley Stallworth stopped seven of nine shots on goal.

How It Happened

• The Scarlet Hawks struck early, with Nicole Fajardo tallying the game's first goal just 25 seconds into the match. Amelia Moseman cut inside the offensive zone, made a quick step back to the outside where she delivered the ball to a wide open Kelly Hitchcock. Hitchcock faked outside then shot inside. Stallworth was able to make the save but gave up the rebound to Fajardo, who pounced on the loose ball and tucked it into the back of the net.
• Carthage was able to secure the equalizer at the 31:41 mark, when the Firebirds' Katie Talens picked up a loose ball inside the Illinois Tech zone, sped down the right side of the box to draw out goalkeeper Hailey Flannagan, and fired the ball into the left corner of the net.
• With 33 seconds remaining in the first half, Jayla Anaya took a pass from first-year Rachel Brettin, burst between two defenders on the right side of the box and chipped a shot past Stallworth to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. Anaya's goal proved to be the game-winner.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Fajardo finished with a goal, with two shots on goal out of three attempts.
• Anaya finished with a goal, with one out of two shots on goal.
• Hitchcock paced the Hawks with four shots, with two shots on goal.
• Brettin tallied her first point in her first game as a Scarlet Hawk
• First-year players Kayla Smith and Allison Murray were very active and noticeable in their Illinois Tech debuts.
• The Hawks team defense limited offensive chances for the Firebirds, as well as provided quick transition opportunities for the Illinois Tech offense.

Inside the Box Score

• Illinois Tech outshot Carthage 27-3.
• Fouls were even at 11 a piece.
• Illinois Tech had eight corner kick opportunities; Carthage had one corner kick.

Up Next

•  The Scarlet Hawks travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday, September 3rd for their first road match of the season, when they square off against Calvin University at 2:00 PM CT in a non-conference matchup.