ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University men's soccer team concluded its season with a 1-0 loss to the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks in a Wednesday afternoon conference meeting. The Scarlet Hawks were in control on the offensive side, holding a 22-5 advantage in shots, including 8-2 in shots on goal. However, the Regents played solid defense and controlled the saves by 7-2. Unfortunately, The Scarlet Hawks took the lead early, finding the back of the net in just the 7th minute of play to jump Illinois Tech out to 1-0. The Rockford attack struggled to get things going against the Illinois Tech defense and was ultimately held scoreless for the match. This allowed the Scarlet Hawks to hold off Rockford and secure the 1-0 win.
- The Scarlet Hawks found the back of the net early after Mateo Sanchez found Devin Zakeri for the score to put Illinois Tech up 1-0 in just the 7th minute.
- Rockford quickly tried to respond with a shot on goal by Rejhan Jakupi in the 10th minute, but his shot was handled by the Scarlet Hawks keeper, keeping the Regents scoreless.
- Illinois Tech continued to pepper Rockford's net firing 4 shots on goal between the 32nd and 39th minutes, but fortunately, Rockford was able to get one save from Wesley Pritzlaff and three team saves during that span to keep it a 1-0 match.
- Neither team could really get anything else going for the remainder of the half and the score remained 1-0 Scarlet Hawks through one half of play.
- Rockford looked to find the equalizer in the 55th minute with a shot from Emilio Lopez but his shot was saved and kept RU off the board.
- The Regents struggled to get things going for the remainder of the match and ultimately Illinois Tech was able to hold off Rockford and eventually take the 1-0 shutout win.
