Chicago, Ill— Illinois Tech Men's Soccer (3-0-0, 0-0-0) secured a 3-2 victory over California Institute of Technology (1-1-0, 0-0-0) at Stuart Field, with the Scarlet Hawks netting two goals in the second half to clinch the win.

Illinois Tech improved to 3-0-0 overall following their victory. Caltech fell to 1-1-0 overall after the loss.

The first half of the match between Illinois Tech and Caltech saw a series of shots and fouls from both sides, with Caltech initially applying pressure on the home team's defense. Caltech's Etienne Casanova and Matthew Luk both tested the Scarlet Hawks' goalkeeper Colin Thomas early, but their efforts were thwarted. Illinois Tech opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Mateo Secaira, assisted by Tomas Rebelatto, found the back of the net. The Beavers responded in the 36th minute with a goal from Casanova, leveling the score at 1-1. The half concluded with both teams locked in a tie, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

Illinois Tech took control early in the second half against Caltech, with Rebelatto's shot hitting the top woodwork at 46:07. Secaira capitalized on a penalty kick at 51:01, extending the Scarlet Hawks' lead. Cal Graham further solidified their advantage with a goal in the 57th minute, making it 3-1. Caltech responded with Casanova's goal at 78:59, assisted by Jack Myles, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. Despite Caltech's efforts, including a corner kick near the end, Illinois Tech maintained their lead to close the half.

Head Coach Marlon McKenzie had this to say following the victory "It was a hard-fought win. Credit to Caltech, they had some outstanding attacking players who tested our defense and made it a close game. But I'm proud of how our guys responded in the 2nd half, managed the challenging moments, and found a way to get the result. That resilience is part of our refuse to lose DNA, and it's what we'll continue to build on."

Illinois Tech Top Performers  

Colin Thomas  
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- 4 saves  
- 17 shots faced  
- 90:00 minutes played  

Mateo Secaira  
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- 2 goals  
- 3 shots  
- 3 shots on goal  

Cal Graham  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 game-winning goal  
- 1 shot on goal  

Tomas Rebelatto  
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- 1 assist  
- 1 shot  

Caltech Top Performers  

Etienne Casanova  
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- 2 goals  
- 6 shots, 3 on goal  

Ethan Hamel  
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- 4 saves  

Jack Myles  
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- 1 assist  
- 1 shot on goal  


Up Next
 Illinois Tech will travel to Lake Forest, Ill., to face Lake Forest College in their first road match of the year. The match is set for Friday, Sept. 12, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m.