Chicago, Ill. — Illinois Tech (1-0-0) opened their 2025 campaign by edging Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (0-1-0) with a 2-1 victory at Stuart Field Friday night, highlighted by a decisive second-half goal.

The first half saw an early strike from the Cardinals, with Francesco Cardone scoring just 14 seconds into the game. The Scarlet Hawks' Colin Thomas was active in goal, making key saves to keep the score within reach, including stops in the 9th, 16th, and 22nd minutes. Illinois Tech found their equalizer late in the half with Adam Lazarowicz scoring at the 45th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into halftime.

The second half began with a pivotal moment for the Scarlet Hawks, as Tomas Rebelatto converted a penalty kick in the 51st minute, increasing the lead to 2-1. Thomas made a critical save against a shot by Diego Giles shortly after, maintaining the team's advantage. Illinois Tech continued their offensive efforts with multiple shots on goal, including attempts by Cal Graham and Christian Garcia, but their efforts were either off target or saved, while the defense held strong to prevent any scoring from the Cardinals.

"I'm proud of the way our guys opened the season," said Head Coach Marlon McKenzie. "We said before the match that we were going to refuse to lose, be lethal in attack, and relentless in defense—and today we lived that out. We took our chances, defended with grit, and showed the type of resilience and togetherness that defines this team. This is the standard we want to set for the season."

Illinois Tech Top Performers  

Colin Thomas  
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- seven saves  

Adam Lazarowicz  
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- one shot  
- one shot on goal  
- one goal  

Tomas Rebelatto  
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- four shots  
- two shots on goal  
- one goal  
- one game-winning goal  

Saint Mary's Top Performers  

Ryan Horlock  
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- 4 saves  
- 90 minutes played  

Cohan Hare  
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- 5 shots, 4 on goal  

Francesco Cardone  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 shot on goal  

Rojan Monger  
----------------------  
- 1 assist  
- 1 shot on goal  

The win advanced the Scarlet Hawks to 1-0-0 on the season. The Cardinals start the season at 0-1-0 following the defeat.

Up Next
The Scarlet Hawks will continue their 3-game homestand to open the season when they host Hope College on Tuesday, September 2nd at Stuart Field in another non-conference matchup.