Chicago, Ill — Illinois Tech Men's Soccer (5-5-1, 2-3-0) outlasted Benedictine University  (3-4-2, 2-1-1) in a high-scoring contest back and forth match, winning 4-3 at Stuart Field on October 1, 2025. Illinois Tech now holds a record of 5-5-1 overall and 2-3-0 in conference play. Benedictine stands at 3-4-2 overall with a conference record of 2-1-1.

The match between the Scarlet Hawks and the Eagles began with Illinois Tech applying early pressure, registering multiple early shots, notably from Christian Garcia in the 3rd minute and Mateo Secaira shortly after. The hosts capitalized on this momentum when Secaira converted a penalty kick in the 12th minute, after drawing a foul just inside the box. he put the home team ahead 1-0 as he beat the Eagles keeper to the bottom right corner of the net. Benedictine responded with a goal by Dawid Molek in the 35th minute, assisted by Kamil Bak, leveling the score. They quickly took the lead just minutes later with a goal from Xavier Avila, again assisted by Bak, making it 2-1. Illinois Tech's attempts to equalize were thwarted by strong goalkeeping from Jordan Rolon, who made multiple saves, ensuring Benedictine held a 2-1 lead at the end of the first half.

Illinois Tech secured a narrow victory over the Eagles with a 4-3 result in the second half. The action resumed with a second penalty kick goal for the Hawks this time by Garcia in the 57th minute, giving Illinois Tech the equalizer. Benedictine quickly responded with a penalty kick goal by Alex Krzos in the 65th minute to jump back ahead 3-2. Paul Balea scored for the Scarlet Hawks just 90 seconds later in the 66th minute on a free kick from an almost impossible angle. The Scarlet Hawk remained on the attack and found the decisive goal from Secaira, assisted by Balea as he sent in a perfect cross on a corner that Secaira one touched under the cross bar. The 88th minute goal left no time for an Eagle response as Illinois Tech picked up the big NACC win 4-3.

Illinois Tech Top Performers

Colin Thomas  
----------------------  
- three saves  
- 90 minutes played  

Mateo Secaira  
----------------------  
- two goals   
- eight shots  
- four shots on goal  

Paul Balea  
----------------------  
- one goal  
- one assist  
- two shots on goal  

Christian Garcia  
----------------------  
- one goal  
- three shots on goal  
- one penalty shot made  

Benedictine Top Performers

Jordan Rolon  
----------------------  
- 11 saves  
- 90 minutes played  

Dawid Molek  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 4 shots, 3 on goal  

Kamil Bak  
----------------------  
- 2 assists  

Xavier Avila  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 1 shot, on goal  

Alex Krzos  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 1 shot, on goal  
- 1 penalty shot made  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech improved to 3-4-0 lifetime versus Benedictine.

Up Next 
The next challenge for the Scarlet Hawks is a home matchup against Marian University on Senior Day. The teams will face off on October 4 at 3:30 p.m. at Stuart Field with Senior Day recognition happening before kickoff.