CHICAGO, IL — The Beloit College Buccaneers fell 2-1 to Illinois Tech despite a spirited second-half rally that included a goal in the final ten minutes this afternoon at Stuart Field. The loss dropped Beloit to 0-4-0 on the year, while Illinois Tech improved to 3-2-0.
Illinois Tech controlled play from the opening whistle, dominating possession and outshooting Beloit 12-0 in the first 45 minutes. The Scarlet Hawks' pressure paid off in the 39th minute when Adrian Cogolludo buried an unassisted strike to make it 1-0, his first goal of the season. Beloit goalkeeper Ben Borger Germann kept the deficit manageable, turning aside shots from Tomas Rebelatto and Nick Skiba to prevent the game from getting out of hand before the break.
The Buccaneers came out with more purpose after halftime, generating their first shots of the match and testing Illinois Tech keeper David Rodriguez multiple times. Matteo Jijon (Wilmette, IL), Daniel Abreu, Giovannie Guiterrez, and Tyner Amerine all forced saves in the second half as Beloit pushed for an equalizer, finishing with 5 shots on the day compared to Illinois Tech's imposing 24.
Illinois Tech extended its lead to 2-0 in the 81st minute on a goal from Paul Balea, assisted by Theo Balea — but Beloit answered almost immediately.
Just seconds later, in the 81st minute, Ervin Rosas scored his first goal of the season, unassisted, to pull Beloit within one, 2-1. It was a much-needed bright spot for the Buccaneers' attack, injecting late energy into a match they had trailed throughout.
Despite the momentum, Beloit couldn't find a second goal in the closing minutes, and Illinois Tech held on for the win.
The Buccaneers return home tomorrow morning to host Lakeland University. Kick off against the Muskies is set for 11 am from the Strong Complex Soccer Field.
