by Eric Willuweit
Chicago, Ill. – Despite a first half in which they were outshot 14-3, the Illinois Tech men's soccer team never trailed in the conference match with Concordia Wisconsin, and a timely score by Michael Kaczowka in the second half just over a minute after the Falcons had tied the score proved to be the game-winner in the Scarlet Hawks 3-2 victory Saturday afternoon at Stuart Field. With the win, the Scarlet Hawks improved to 1-2-0 in the NACC, and 6-3-0 overall. The Falcons fell to 1-1-2 in conference play, and 4-1-3 overall.
The Scarlet Hawks pushed their home winning streak since the start of the season to six games.
How It Happened
- The Scarlet Hawks got on the board early in the first half at the 2:25 mark with a give and go. Devin Zakeri stole the ball inside Concordia Wisconsin territory, pushed past his defender and passed to Kaczowka on his right. Kaczowka drew three defenders on his rush to the net, passed back to Zakeri, and Zakeri pushed a left-footer past Concordia goalkeeper Jeremy Munoz into the right back corner of the net.
- Concordia tied the score at 1-1 at the 9:41 mark in the first half. Concordia's Miguel Garcia came down the far side in the attack zone and put the ball towards the net, where Jaime Hernandez chipped it in on the first hop to the back of the right side of the net.
- The Scarlet Hawks regained the lead at 17:15 in the first half. Younghoon Jung came down the left side of the offensive zone with speed, drawing three defenders to him. Jung fired a left-footer that eluded goalkeeper Munoz but appeared to be going wide of the right post. Logan Garcia beat Concordia's Miguel Garcia to the ball, however, and chipped it in to the back-right corner for a 2-1 Scarlet Hawks lead.
- The Falcons again tied the match just over five minutes into the second half. Concordia's Miguel Garcia cut to the inside of the attack zone and passed to Nick Hummel. Hummel immediately pushed the ball to Ivan Cuellar, who bounced a left-footer towards the right corner of the net. Illinois Tech goalkeeper Adam Falcigno made the initial save, but the rebound kicked out to an awaiting Hernandez for his second goal of the match, tying the score at 2-2.
- A little over a minute later, the Scarlet Hawks took the lead for good. Concordia's Jacob Stemper dropped the ball back to Munoz to relieve Scarlet Hawk pressure. Munoz played the ball on the hop with his left foot, but the ball elevated straight up. Before Munoz could pull the ball down, Kaczowka raced in and headed the ball over Munoz and into the net for the 3-2 Hawks lead, the eventual margin of victory.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
- Kaczowka with the game winning goal, and an assist on the opening goal by Zakeri. He also had 5 total shots.
- Zakeri with the opening goal.
- Logan Garcia with the hustle goal on the shot attempt by Jung.
- Falcigno 8 saves on 10 shots on goal.
Inside The Box Score
- Concordia Wisconsin outshot the Scarlet Hawks 25-20.
- The Scarlet Hawks had 8 saves; the Falcons had 5.
- Illinois Tech led in fouls 10-8.
- Concordia Wisconsin held a 12-7 advantage in corner kicks.
Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks continue conference play on Wednesday, September 28th, when they host Benedictine at 7pm CT at Stuart Field. The Hawks will be looking to extend their home winning streak to seven games.