By Jami Sponaugle

Chicago, Ill. - The Illinois Tech men's soccer team continued their home unbeaten streak on Sunday as they defeated the Beloit College Buccaneers. On home turf at Stuart Field, the Hawks have won five games, completed five shutouts, and scored 17 goals. Today's 90 minutes of action in the heat saw the Hawks secure a 3-0 non-conference win.

How It Happened

• It was an even match-up between the Hawks and the Buccaneers through most of the first half before the Hawks were able to gain some momentum after a water break with 22 minutes remaining due to the excessive heat. 

• Maciek Matusiak got the action going in the first half for the Hawks with a goal in the 30th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The goal came off a David de la Fuente after Fuente played a ball for Matusiak to run onto at the top of the 18-yard box. Matusiak took a touch, causing the ball to bounce, before striking it mid air past the Buccaneers goalkeeper and into the opposite side corner. 

• Matusiak then picked up the assist on the Hawks next goal. Matusiak played a splitting ball through the Buccaneers defense into the 18-yard box to an on-coming Michael Kaczowka. Kaczowka was able to take a one-touch left footed shot to send the ball in between the diving goalkeeper and the near post to put the Hawks up 2-0 before halftime. 

• The Hawks built on their lead in the second half with a second goal by Kaczowka. Anthony Paiotti picked up the assist as Kaczowka received the ball in the middle of the box, right in front of the Buccaneers goalkeeper and once again took a one touch shot to place the ball into the back of the net. At the 64th minute mark, the Hawks picked up the third and final goal of the game to secure the 3-0 win.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Kaczowka netted two goals off of three shots. 

• Matusiak recorded one goal off of two shots and picked up one assist. 

• Marko Brajkovic and Adam Falcigno shared time in goal during the shutout victory. Brajkovic made one save, while Falcigno made two. 

Inside the Box Score

• Illinois Tech attempted 21 shots, 8 on frame, versus Beloit's 9 shots, 3 on frame. 

• The Hawks had 9 corner kicks compared to the Buccaneers 3 during the match.

• Both sides combined for a total of 23 fouls. 

Up Next 

The Hawks look to stay in the win column on Wednesday when they head to Kalamazoo, MI to take on the Kalamazoo College Hornets for non-conference action. Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m.