By Jami Sponaugle
Chicago, Ill. - The Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks kicked off the 2022 season with a bang, defeating the Albion College Britons 3-0. In the season opener, three different Hawks found the back of the net to secure the victory.
How It Happened
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The Hawks got the goal scoring started late in the first half when Joshua Plimpton found the back of the net in the 37th minute. Plimpton received the ball off a Hawk throw inside the 18-yard. With two defenders on him, Plimpton was able to split the defenders before immediately getting pressured again. He then took a slight separation touch to get back in front of Albion defense before placing the ball into the lower right corner.
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Entering halftime the Hawks led the Britons 1-0.
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Into the second half, the Hawks looked to continue their offensive momentum. Michael Kaczowka and Maciek Matusiak put their names up on the board between the 60th and 61st minute. Kaczowka recorded the team's second goal in the 60th minute off a Zaheed Al-Hajji assist. Kaczowka received the ball from Al-Hajji just inside the 18-yard box, took one touch, and ripped the ball just above the diving goal-keepers hands.
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Matusiak then followed with the final goal of the game just one minute later. This time, Kaczowka recorded the assist when he split the Brittons defense to an on-coming Matusiak who one touched the ball into the inside post below the goalkeeper's dive.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
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Plimpton, Kaczowka, and Matusiak each recorded their first goals of the 2022 season, with Kaczowka and Al-Hajji both picking up an assist.
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In goal, Adam Falcigno recorded a shutout while making four crucial saves for the Hawks.
Inside the Box Score
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Illinois Tech outshot Albion 14-9 during the 90 minutes of play.
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Six different Hawks recorded at least two shots on goal.
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The Britons committed 20 fouls, while the Hawks committed 14.
Up Next
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The Hawks now turn their focus to Saturday when they welcome the Manchester University Spartans to Stuart Field for a 3:30 p.m. non-conference kick-off.