Chicago, Ill. - On Stuart Field, the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's soccer team welcomed the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) undefeated Aurora University Spartans on Wednesday, October 11. The Hawks (4-6-6, 3-4-1) went up 1-0 early on the Spartans (10-2-2, 7-0-1), holding the lead for the entirety of the first half. After halftime, the Spartans Enrique Gonzalez came out on a mission to put his team ahead. Gonzalez would go on to net a hat-trick during the second 45 minutes of action, ultimately giving the Spartans the 3-1 victory over the Hawks.
How It Happened
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During the 22nd minute of action, the Hawks netted their lone goal of the contest. After earning a free kick on the far side of the field about 25 yards out, Anthony Paiotti would take a shot, sending the ball towards goal. Paiotti's shot would hit off the crossbar and go directly towards a wide open Michael Kaczowka. Kaczowka chested the ball down before falling and volleying the ball into the back of the net, putting the Hawks ahead 1-0 over the Spartans.
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After halftime, the momentum would turn in favor of the Spartans. Aurora tied the game up in the 57th minute of action. After receiving the ball, Enrique Gonzalez dribbled towards the top of the 18-yard box before taking a left-footed shot. Gonzalez sent his shot to the opposite side netting, right past the Hawks goalkeeper, tying the game at 1-1.
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Gonzalez would then score a brace 56 seconds later. This time after receiving the ball, Gonzalez dribbled into the 18-yard box, heading towards the corner of the 6-yard box. With the Hawks goalkeeper coming out, Gonzalez placed the ball in the exact same area as his first goal, this time with his right foot. Gonzalez's back-to-back goals put the Spartans up 2-1 over the Hawks in the 57th minute of action.
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Then, in the 89th minute, Gonzalez converted a penalty kick, netting a hat-trick and securing the Spartans 3-1 victory over the Hawks.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Spartans Standouts
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Enrique Gonzalez - 78 minutes, 3 goals, 6 shots, 4 shots on goal
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Jalen Depenbrock - 90 minutes, 7 saves
Inside the Box Score
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Both sides tallied 8 shots on goal. The Spartans totaled 25 shots, while the Hawks finished with 18
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In saves, the Spartans had 7 compared to the Hawks 5
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For corner kicks, the Spartans picked up 10 while the Hawks had 2
Up Next
The Hawks will be back in action on Stuart Field on Saturday, October 14, when they welcome the St. Norbert College Green Knights for NACC action. The Hawks and Green Knights will kick-off at 3:30 PM.
