Box Score The Carthage College men's soccer team (1-0-0, 0-0-0 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) opened its 2012 season on Friday, Aug. 31 with a 2-0 decision over Principia College (0-1) at the Wheaton College (Ill.) "Bob Baptista Invitational" at Joe Bean Stadium in Wheaton, Ill. 

The Red Men took a 1-0 lead at 30:05 first period when Stephen Korosis (Jr., Lindenhurst, Ill./Lake Villa-Lakes Community) scored on a shot deflected off Gold and Blue goalkeeper Matt Jones.  Alexander Marquis (So., Caracas, Venezuela) added the second goal at 85:04 on a breakaway.  Carthage goalie Steve Kvasnicka (Sr., Westchester, Ill./St. Joseph) blanked Principia with two saves.

“For those who saw this match and understood our preseason routine,” said Carthage coach Steve Domin, “they would know there were many factors working here today.  After playing two great periods versus Trinity in a scrimmage a day ago, I think we were ready to play a match that counted.   I have put the boys through the ringer the past week in Texas, and now in the extreme temperatures today.  We have always believed if the guys were in uncomfortable situations early, it would contribute to learning acceleration later.  In today's match, we more or less made the game a track meet.  We used every player on the varsity roster with exception of the back-up keepers, and our athleticism certainly showed.  I think if we had played the same game versus Trinity as we did versus Principia today, this could have turned into a runaway, but give them credit for working hard and adding some nice talent to their roster.  The CCIW coaches slated to continue our success at the top of the conference this year, but the truth is we have many new faces and a lot of work to do and have to set some realistic goals throughout this season.”

The Red Men conclude tournament play on Saturday, Sept. 1 with a 2 p.m. game against Kalamazoo College.