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Concordia University Chicago Athletics

Home of the Concordia-Chicago Cougars

Joel Diaz
2
Winner Concordia Chicago CUC (1-0-0, 0-0-0)
1
Elmhurst ELM (0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Winner
Concordia Chicago CUC
(1-0-0, 0-0-0)
2
Final
1
Elmhurst ELM
(0-1-0, 0-0-0)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT-2 F
Concordia Chicago CUC 0 1 1 2
Elmhurst ELM 0 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Kristen Keller, Director of Athletic Communications

Epperly, Diaz score to secure first win of the season

The Concordia University Chicago men's soccer team won 2-1 against Elmhurst University.

Elmhurst, Ill. – The Concordia University Chicago men's soccer team hit the field for the first time since April 2021, when they played an abbreviated season due to COVID-19. The Cougars made a big impact in their first game back against the Elmhurst University Blue Jays today, Sept. 1.
 
Following a scoreless first half, the Blue Jays managed to find the back of the net in the 89th minute. The game seemed to be over to those in the stands, but with two seconds left on the clock, the Cougars responded with a goal of their own to take the game into overtime. From there, CUC took control as they were the first team to score in extra minutes, resulting in the win.
 
Comparing the statistics of the two teams, the Blue Jays had more scoring opportunities than the Cougars as Elmhurst outshot CUC 17 to 9. With help from Concordia's strong defense, the Cougars were able to grab this win to kick off their season.
 
Player Highlights of the Match:
  • Samuel Epperly (Elgin, Ill.) played most of the game, and came in clutch right when he was needed. The junior forward scored the unassisted goal in overtime to give the Cougars the win and his first goal for the Maroon and Gold. 
  • Joel Diaz (Chicago, Ill.) scored the first goal of the night that led to the extra minutes. His quick reaction time following a drop from Elmhurst's goalie gave him his third career goal.
  • Nicholas Pasut (New Boston, Mich.) and Joseph Perez (Crystal Lake, Ill.) were both key contributors to the Cougars' success on the pitch. The junior goalkeepers each made big saves in crucial moments. Pasut made two saves on the night while Perez recorded four.
  • Michael Byron (Park Ridge, Ill.) and Giovanni Velasquez (Cicero, Ill.) added to the Cougars' offensive pressure during their first collegiate games. The pair of freshmen each registered two shots tonight, both of them having one on goal. Oscar Montejano (Zion, Ill.) also contributed with two shots.
 
The Cougars will have three days off before they make their debut in River Forest on Sunday, Sept. 5. The team will host Carleton College at 2:30 p.m. following the women's soccer match.
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