Aurora, Ill. — Illinois Tech Men's Soccer fell to Aurora University, 5-4 in overtime in Tuesday NACC Semifinal matchup at Spartan Athletic Park. The loss concludes what was an exciting and successful season for the men's soccer program. Illinois Tech finishes the year with an overall record of 11-6-3. The eleven wins is a program best since the 2017 season. The final 7-3-2  conference record earned them the sixth in the NACC and their conference tournament victory over St. Norbert last Saturday was their first in program history. 

Illinois Tech took an early lead against Aurora University, with Ben Mehl scoring in the first minute, assisted by Tomas Rebelatto. Cal Graham extended the lead to 2-0 in the 6th minute, also with an assist from Rebelatto. Aurora responded with a penalty kick goal by Walter Delapaz in the 15th minute, narrowing the gap. Aurora then equalized at 2-2 when Branden Dolezal scored in the 27th minute, assisted by Carlos Viayra. Illinois Tech regained the lead in the 38th minute with a goal from Theo Balea, assisted by Graham, ending the half 3-2 in favor of Illinois Tech.

In the second half, Illinois Tech extended their lead with a goal by Rebelatto at 58:13, assisted by Mateo Secaira, bringing the score to 4-2. The Spartans responded with determination, narrowing the gap when Josue Roman found the net in the 67th minute, assisted by Viayra, making it 4-3. The home team continued to press and managed to level the score at 4-4 in the 84th minute with a goal from Jorge Morales, assisted by Dolezal. Throughout the half, Illinois Tech's goalkeeper, David Rodriguez, made several crucial saves, including attempts by Mizael Terrazas and Roman, to keep the game tied at the final whistle.

The overtime period between Illinois Tech and the Spartans began with both teams fielding their starting lineups. Illinois Tech's Rebelatto attempted a shot at 97:27, but it went over the top. Paul Balea had another opportunity at 99:35, aiming for the bottom corner of the net, but the Spartans' goalkeeper Alex Ageladelis made the diving save. In response, Roman took a shot at 99:55, which was saved by Illinois Tech's goalkeeper Rodriguez. The period ended with no change in score.

The second overtime period began with both teams lining up their formations at the 100-minute mark. Illinois Tech faced a critical moment when Theo Balea committed a foul in the 104th minute, followed by the Spartans' Omar Saldana receiving a red card a minute later. Aurora's Isaac Jacobo took a shot on goal in the 105th minute, which was saved by Rodriguez. However, Jacobo found the net in the 107th minute with an assist from Ray Fischer, securing the 5-4 victory for the Spartans, and sending them on to host MSOE in the NACC Championship on Saturday. 

Illinois Tech Top Performers

David Rodriguez  
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- nine saves  

Ben Mehl  
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- one goal  
- one shot on goal  

Cal Graham  
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- one goal  
- one assist  
- one shot on goal  

Tomas Rebelatto  
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- one goal  
- two assists  
- five shots  
- four shots on goal  

Aurora University Top Performers  

Alex Ageladelis  
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- 4 saves  
- 107:29 minutes played  

Walter Delapaz  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 shot on goal  

Branden Dolezal  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 assist  
- 2 shots on goal  

Josue Roman  
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- 1 goal  
- 6 shots, all on goal  

Isaac Jacobo  
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- 1 goal  
- 2 shots on goal  
- 1 game-winning goal  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech fell to 0-7-1 against Aurora.