By Jami Sponaugle 

Chicago, Ill. - Illinois Tech men's soccer picked up a 3-0 victory on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Lakeland University Muskies. The Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NACC) saw three different goal scorers for the Hawks. The victory improves the Hawks record to 9-8 overall and 4-7 in NACC play.

How It Happened 

• Michael Kaczowka scored the match's first goal in the 26th minute of action. The Hawks gained advantage with a clearance attempt at half field, playing the ball forward into the offensive side. In a foot race, Kaczowka beat the Muskie defender to the ball and gained control inside the 18-yard box. With two defenders plus the goalkeeper in front of him, Kaczowka kept his composure and caused the two defenders to separate just enough for him to rip a shot into the lower right corner, beating the diving goalkeeper to give the Hawks the 1-0 lead. The lead remained for the remainder of the half. 

• In the 69th minute, the Hawks found the back of the net for the second time. Anthony Paiotti assisted the play with a corner kick. Paiotti played the ball in the air, just out from the front post to where Jordan Plewa was able to jump over the Muskie defense to get his head on the ball. Plewa's header was enough to send the ball into the net, giving the Hawks a 2-0 lead with just over 21 minutes remaining. 

• The final goal of the match followed five minutes later. Surrounded by Muskie defenders, Josh Plimpton was able to get his foot on the ball and place it into the back of the net. Plimptons goal gave the Hawks their ultimate 3-0 victory. 

. Scarlet Hawk Standouts 

• Plimpton led the team in shots, recording two during the match. He placed his only shot on frame into the back of the net. 

• Kaczowka and Plewa both scored on their only shots. 

• Paiotti earned an assist off a corner kick during the Hawks second goal.

• Marko Brajkovic and Adam Falcigno shared time in the goal. Falcigno made two saves to keep the Hawks clean sheet alive. 

Inside the Box Score 

• 10 different Hawks took a shot to record 11 shots during the contest, 6 of which were on frame. The Muskies finished with 9 shots, 2 on frame. 

• The Muskies saved three shots while the Hawks saved two.

• Illinois Tech held a 5-2 corner-kick advantage. 

• 16 fouls were committed by the Muskies and 12 were committed by the Hawks.

Up Next 

The Hawks will play their final non-conference game of the 2023 season tomorrow when they host the Finlandia University Lions. Sunday's contest marks senior day for the Hawks where they will be honoring their 10 seniors before kick-off, which is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.