Fond du Lac, Wis. – Coming off their first loss of the 2024 season, the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's soccer team looked to turn things around and jump back into the win column on their trip to Wisconsin. Taking on the Marian University Sabres in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), the Hawks (5-1-1, 1-1) scored back-to-back goals in the first half to secure their first NACC victory of the season, defeating the Sabres (1-4-3, 0-1-1) 2-0 on the road.  

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The Hawks held the ball offensively through much of the first half, out shooting the Sabres 12-3 in the opening 45 minutes. 

• With 15 minutes remaining in the half, the Hawks would score back-to-back, with the first coming in the 31st minute and the second in the 34rd minute.  

• Cal Graham put the Hawks on the board with the first goal off a Tomas Rebelatto assist. With a Hawk throw in in the Sabres defensive half, the Hawks were able to rotate the ball across the field, eventually getting the ball to Rebelatto. With speed, Rebelatto took off, dribbling towards goal while cutting inside towards the 18-yard box. Rebelatto made it all the way to the end line before crossing the ball back inside the box, towards the top of the 6-yard box to where Graham was wide open. Graham then took a one-touch, right footed shot, slotting the into the near-post space. The Sabres goalkeeper would get a touch on the ball, but it wasn't enough as the ball crossed the goal-line, putting the Hawks ahead 1-0.  

• Three minutes later, Paul Balea doubled the Hawks lead with a goal off a Devin Zakeri assist. With a Sabres goal kick, the Hawks would be the ones to gain possession of the ball. After the ball bounced around, Graham would be the one to gain the most control before sending a pass forward to Zakeri. Zakeri gained possession just inside the corner of the 18-yard box before beating his defender 1v1 and sending a cross across the inside of the box. Right at the far post, Balea was able to get a touch on the ball, redirecting it into the back of the net, putting the Hawks ahead 2-0.  

• During the second half of action, neither side would find the back of the net. The Sabres would lead the Hawks in shots 10-5. At the final whistle, the Hawks back-to-back first half goals proved to be just enough as they defeated the Sabres 2-0.  

SCARLET HAWK STANDOUTS 

• Paul Balea – 78 minutes, 1 goal, 3 shots, 2 shots on goal 

• Cal Graham – 48 minutes, 1 goal, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal 

• Devin Zakeri – 81 minutes, 1 assist, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal 

• Tomas Rebelatto – 49 minutes, 1 assist, 4 shots, 2 shots on goal 

• Colin Thomas – 90 minutes, shutout, 5 saves 

SABRES STANDOUTS 

• Nathan Blazenko – 86 minutes, 3 shots, 3 shots on goal 

• Mason Radulski – 59 minutes, 4 shots, 1 shot on goal 

• Connor Sanderfoot – 69 minutes, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE 

• Illinois Tech out shot Marian 17-13 with 8 shots on goal versus 5 

• The Hawks had 6 of the matches 9 corner kicks 

• The Sabres made 6 saves while the Hawks made 5 

UP NEXT 

The Hawks will now take a break from conference action to play one final non-conference game for the 2024 season. On Wednesday, September 25th, the Hawks will head to Alma, Mich. to take on the Alma College Scots at 3:30 PM.