River Forest, Ill. - It was a beautiful September afternoon for the first matchup all-time between Carleton College and Concordia University Chicago. The Cougars returned home for the first time since Apr. 14, 2021 in the abbreviated COVID-19 spring season. Both teams displayed speed and physicality in an entertaining game for all in attendance.
 
In a game highlighted by defensive performance, goalie Joseph Perez (Crystal Lake, Ill.) denied the Knights of any scoring chances in the first half. The Knights totaled six shots in the first half, with two shots on target. Defensemen Julian Yanez (Cicero, Ill.) and Michael Byron (Park Ridge, Ill.) both assisted in the strong defensive effort keeping the ball in the middle of the pitch. 
 
The Knights broke the scoreless tie at the 68:08 point off the match. The Knights, who amassed 75 percent possession time in CUC territory, were awarded a penalty kick on a tripping call. Marco de Cunha (St. Paul, Minn.) drilled the ball past goalie Nicholas Pasut to make it 1-0 Carleton. CUC made a stronger offensive push in the second half with two more shots. Carleton's defense and goalkeeper Alexei Thomas (Northwood, U.K.) stalled the Cougar's comeback efforts. Oscar Montejano (Zion, Ill.) led CUC with two shots on the game. 
 
Individual Player Highlights

• Perez held the Knights scoreless in the first half with two saves on six shots.
• O. Montejano led the team with two shots.
• Yanez led the Cougars with 73 minutes played. 

 
The Cougars are back in action at home Friday, Sept. 10 against Grinnell College. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. CST.