Chicago, Ill — Illinois Tech (2-0-0) secured a 5-3 victory over Hope (1-2-0) at Stuart Field on Tuesday, with a hat-trick contributing to their win.

Illinois Tech's offense came out strong in the first half, with Cal Graham scoring three goals, including one in the 10th minute assisted by Tomas Rebelatto. Graham continued to pressure the Hope defense, finding the net again in the 13th minute with an assist from Mateo Secaira, and completing his hat trick in the 18th minute. Despite a goal from Hope's Jack Lowman in the 30th minute, Illinois Tech ended the half with a 3-1 lead.

The second half began with Illinois Tech maintaining a strategic approach, highlighted by a crucial save by Colin Thomas in the 53rd minute. Secaira then gained momentum for the home team, scoring in the 61st minute with an assist from Ben Mehl, and later adding another goal in the 88th minute to extend Illinois Tech's lead. Despite a late goal from Hope's Josh Weigel, Illinois Tech secured a 5-3 victory, with consistent defensive efforts from Thomas and timely offensive plays from Secaira.

Coach Marlon Mackenzie had this to say after the game: "I'm proud of how our team handled the key moments tonight. We knew we wouldn't have a lot of possession, but we were lethal when we did. We took our chances, defended well, and stayed united. Scoring five goals against a quality side like Hope shows the belief and joy in our play."

Illinois Tech Top Performers  

Cal Graham  
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- four shots  
- three shots on goal  
- three goals  

Colin Thomas  
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- five saves  

Mateo Secaira  
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- three shots  
- three shots on goal  
- two goals  
- one assist  
- one game-winning goal  



Hope Top Performers  

Ryker Corstange  
----------------------  
- 1 shot on goal  
- 1 goal  

Jack Lowman  
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- 3 shots, 1 on goal  
- 1 goal  

Josh Weigel  
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- 3 shots, 2 on goal  
- 1 goal  

Matt Davidson  
----------------------  
- 1 shot on goal  
- 1 assist  

Jackson Mindling  
----------------------  
- 4 shots  

With the win, the Scarlet Hawks improve to 2-0-0 on the season. The loss leaves Hope at 1-2-0.

Up Next
Illinois Tech will host Caltech on September 5 at 7 p.m. The match will take place at Stuart Field in Chicago, IL.