JACKSONVILLE, IL – Beloit College's men's soccer team demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess in a competitive 2-2 draw against Illinois College (6-3-3, 1-2-1 MWC) at England Stadium this evening. The Buccaneers (6-5-3, 3-0-1 MWC) started strong, seizing an early lead, and ultimately held their ground to secure a valuable point on the road.

From the opening whistle, Beloit showed intent, with Rafael Cervantes Jr. (Dallas, TX) proving to be a formidable force in the attacking third. Cervantes Jr. opened the scoring in the 13th minute with his fourth goal of the season, giving the Buccaneers an early advantage. He quickly followed up on this success, netting his second goal of the match—and fifth of the season—in the 24th minute, assisted by Eziah Hernandez (New Mexico), extending Beloit's lead to 2-0 before halftime.

The Buccaneers' defense, anchored by goalkeeper David Staats (Meridian, ID), put in a solid performance, particularly in the first half where Staats recorded 5 saves to keep the Blue Boys off the scoreboard. Despite facing 12 shots in the first half alone, Beloit's backline and Staats held firm, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure.

While Illinois College mounted a comeback in the second half, scoring two goals to equalize the match, Beloit's early offensive burst and defensive efforts were critical in securing the draw. 

The statistics reflect a game where Beloit capitalized efficiently on its opportunities in the first half. The Buccaneers took 5 shots in the first half, converting two of them, while Illinois College managed 12 shots without success. For the full 90 minutes, Beloit registered 6 total shots, with 2 on target, both resulting in goals. Staats concluded the game with an impressive 11 saves, underlining his crucial role in preserving the draw.

The Buccaneers return home on Saturday to face MWC powerhouse Lake Forest College. Kick off is set for 1:30 pm