Chicago, Ill. — Mateo Secaira scored the lone goal of the match in the 84th minute, and goalkeeper David Rodriguez made 4 saves as Illinois Tech men's soccer defeated the Milwaukee School of Engineering 1-0 at Stuart Field on Saturday. The Scarlet Hawks improved to 8-5-3 overall and 5-3-2 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play. The Raiders hold a record of 10-4-2 overall and 7-2-1 in conference competition.

The first half between the Hawks and the Raiders began with both teams showing defensive strength, resulting in a scoreless half. Illinois Tech's Cal Graham had a notable attempt in the 29th minute, but his shot was saved by Raiders goalkeeper Asher Harris. The Raiders had several opportunities, including a shot by Juan Pablo Escobar that hit the crossbar in the 34th minute. Illinois Tech goalkeeper David Rodriguez made a crucial save in the 43rd minute, stopping another effort from Escobar. The half concluded with the score tied at 0-0.

The second half followed a similar script as the first, with each team thwarting any offensive chances throughout the majority of the half. The deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute when Mateo Secaira found the back of the net, giving Illinois Tech a 1-0 lead. The Raiders' attempts to equalize were thwarted by Illinois Tech's defense, including a crucial save by Rodriguez in the 88th minute on a shot from Owen Gendrich. Despite frequent offensive pushes from both teams, including multiple corner kicks and shots, Illinois Tech maintained their slight edge to conclude the match.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts 

Mateo Secaira  
----------------------  
- 1 goal  
- 4 shots  
- 2 shots on goal  
- 1 game-winning goal 

David Rodriguez  
----------------------  
- 4 saves  
- 90 minutes played  
- 1 shutout  

Tomas Rebelatto  
----------------------  
- 2 shots  
- 1 shot on goal  

Raiders Top Performers

Asher Harris  
----------------------  
- 4 saves  
- 77:08 minutes played  

Nico Picha  
----------------------  
- 2 shots  
- 1 shot on goal  

Juan Pablo Escobar  
----------------------  
- 3 shots  
- 1 shot on goal  

Game Notes:
- The win by the Scarlet Hawks was their first ever against the Raiders, and they now have a 1-7-1 record lifetime versus the Raiders.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will be back on the road this Wednesday, when they travel to Mequon, Wisconsin for a conference clash with Concordia University (Wis.). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.