RIVER FOREST, Ill. - The Rockford University men's soccer team opened NACC play on Tuesday afternoon with an impressive 3-0 win at Concordia University Chicago. Although the Cougars seemed to have the advantage in nearly every statistical category, Rockford capitalized on the opportunities it had. CUC outshot Rockford 20-11, but had just a slim 7-6 edge in shots on goal.
Javier Palacios found the back of the net twice and
Rejhan Jakupi put the game out of reach with his second goal of the season in the 85th minute. This is the second consecutive season that Rockford has won its NACC opener against the Cougars.
- Regent keeper Juan Sarmiento was absolutely outstanding in goal throughout the match, but especially in the first half. Sarmiento had five first half saves, including three in just over a two-minute span midway through the first half.
- Javier Palacios then broke the scoreless tie in the 41st minute with his first goal of the season. Palacios found the bottom right corner of the net and was assisted by Rejhan Jakupi to give the Regents a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
- The majority of the second half was also defensive battle as Rockford continued to cling to a 1-0 advantage heading into the final eight minutes of play.
- Senior Javier Palacios was able to break free and beat the Cougar keeper in the bottom right corner of the net for his second goal of the match to give Rockford a 2-0 lead.
- Rejhan Jakupi followed with the Regents' second goal in just over two minutes, off an assist by Omar Olivo, to seal Rockford's 3-0 victory.
