Men’s Soccer Drops Tight Opener to Manchester, Falls in Nail Biter to Simpson

September 5, 2017Posted in: Athletics

The Illinois Tech Men’s Soccer team played the season opener against Manchester University on September 1, opening up the Illinois Tech Tournament. In an exhilarating finish, the Scarlet Hawks fell 1-0 to the Spartans.

How it Happened – Manchester

  • The first premiere play of the game came courtesy of Illinois Tech. Starting goalkeeper Alex Kern made an incredible diving save off of a set piece shot in the 14th minute.
  • Manchester answered Kern’s momentum shifter a few minutes later. A Ben Neiderhelman lead pass found Josh Gonzalez, who punched it in for the first and only goal of the match,
  • The Scarlet Hawks outshot the Spartans 4-2 for the remainder of the half, but Manchester’s defense held strong to keep it a 1-0 halftime score.
  • Corner kicks were the story of the second half, as Illinois Tech generated an astounding nine opportunities. The Spartans were able to turn away all nine, including five in the match’s final three minutes.
  • Illinois Tech attempted corner kicks at the 88:30, 88:46, 89:07, and 89:43 marks. Each one ended in a large scrum in front of the net, with Manchester barely holding ground on all tries.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Michael Podsaidly led the team with six shots and four shots on goal.
  • Kern made five saves in net.
  • Diego Gutierrez Coronel attempted three shots.

Stats to Know

  • The final count on corner kicks was 10-1 in favor of Illinois Tech.
  • Illinois Tech also outshot ManU 19-10 overall and 7-6 on net.
  • Fouls were nearly even at 16-15.

How it Happened – Simpson

  • It was the Tanner Alderson show in the first half, as the Simpson standout scored twice in a three and a half minute span. He tallied goals in the 26th and 29th minute to put the Storm up 2-0.
  • After the Scarlet Hawks held Simpson scoreless for the rest of the first half, Alderson assisted Garrett Pochop in the 54th minute to put Simpson up 3-0.
  • Illinois Tech started to generate chances and get offense going in the later part of the second half. Gutierrez Coronel scored off of a free kick to make the score 3-1 in the 72nd minute.
  • In the 83rd minute, Brandon Bortei-Doku scored on a beautiful pass from Oluwaseun Ogunsanya to bring Illinois Tech within one.
  • Illinois Tech generated some chances late, but Simpson held strong for the win.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Both Bortei-Doku and Noah Kwortnik were named all tournament team. Bortei-Doku had five shots, three shots on goal, and a goal.
  • Gutierrez Coronel had a goal. All three of his shots were on net.
  • Ogunsanya had an assist while also recording a shot.

Stats to Know

  • The tournament results went as follows: Simpson (2-0), UW-Whitewater (1-1), Manchester (1-1), Illinois Tech (0-2).
  • Shots were even at 19. Corner kicks were even at four.
  • Simpson had 12 fouls compared to Illinois Tech’s 13.

Up Next

  • The Scarlet Hawks will play at home again on Tuesday, September 5 hosting MacMurray College at 6 p.m. Live audio, video, and stats will be available. The live audio will be powered by Illinois Media School.
Tags: