By Jami Sponaugle

Chicago, Ill. - The Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's soccer team continued their home unbeaten streak on Wednesday with a comeback 2-1 victory against the Benedicitine University Eagles. The Hawks improved to 7-3 on the season, with all seven of those wins coming at home, and 2-2 in Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NACC) play. 

How It Happened

• The Eagles held the momentum from the opening whistle over the Hawks during the first 45 minutes. In the 14th minute, Alex Pillath of the Eagles found the back of the net off a Michal Szaflarski header assist. Szaflarski headed the ball across the goal off a corner kick straight to Pillath who was on the back post.

• The Hawks fought hard to put pressure on the Eagles, having opportunities at the end of the half, but were unable to get on the board before halftime as they went into the break trailing the Eagles 1-0. 

• Halftime gave the Hawks the time they needed to reset. Just 23 seconds after the whistle, the Hawks tied the game 1-1. With the Hawks getting kick-off to start the second half of play, momentum was immediately on their side. Quickly moving the ball up the field, the Hawks were able to catch the Eagles off guard. Josh Plimpton received a splitting through ball from Mateo Sanchez to get past the Eagles defense. Plimpton received the ball at the corner of the 6-yard box, and played the ball straight across to an on-coming Michael Kaczowka. Kaczowka one-touched the ball into the wide-open net to tie the game 1-1. 

• In the 65th minute, the Hawks took the lead with the game winning goal. After receiving a free kick in their own defensive half, the Hawks sent the ball into their offensive side of the field. Kaczowka received the ball off the free-kick and played a through ball towards the center of the goal where Anthony Paiotti was running. Paiotti ran right onto the ball and took a one-touch shot, sending the ball towards the left post where it bounced off and went into the back of the net. Paiotti's goal gave the Hawks all they needed to secure the 2-1 victory.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Kaczowka and Paiotti gave the Hawks their two goals. Kaczowka finished with two shots, both of which were on goal, and one assist. Paiotti led the Hawks withfive shots during the 90 minutes of action.

• Plimpton picked up one assist.

• Adam Falcigno recorded the victory. Falcigno made seven crucial saves throughout the contest to help the Hawks secure the victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Both teams fired off multiple shots as the Hawks nudged the Eagles 17 shots to 14. Both sides placed eight on frame.

• An intense game broke out as both sides fought for the ball. At the final whistle, the Hawks ended with 20 fouls compared to the Eagles 13.

• The Eagles finished with six corner kicks versus the Hawks four.

Up Next

The Hawks will be back in action on Saturday when they hit the road to take on the Marian University Sabres in NACC action with a 1:00 p.m. kick-off