KENOSHA, Wis. – A strong three-goal second half propelled the #22 Carthage College men's soccer team to a home opener win on Tuesday at Art Keller Field as the Red Men defeated Kalamazoo College, 4-1.
 
 "Not the prettiest effort, but we will take it at this point in the season," said head coach Steve Domin.  "Right now we are still finding out our right combinations.  The best part is we haven't put some of the key ones on the field together just yet."
 
The win moves Carthage to 2-0 on the early season, while the Hornets fall to 1-1 with the loss.
 
Kevin Reilly setup the Red Men's first goal on a hustle play in the box that sent a slide tackle over to Luke Schoffstall who's rebounded shot fell to Kevin Mahoney for the opening goal in the 39th minute. 
 
It looked as though the Red Men would take the lead into the halftime break, however a miscue by the Red Men defense led to a Hornets goal with five second remaining in the half to tie it at 1-1. 
 
For the half, the Red Men dominated the stat sheet with 10-1 advantage in shots, including 6-1 on goal.  For the game Carthage outshot Kalamazoo 17-5 and 10-3 on frame.
 
"We owned a lot of the field today but we were just not precise getting that last pass to dangerous spaces, or wide with accuracy."
 
The Red Men regained their lead in the second half as Ivan Esquivel setup Alberto Eloyza in the box as he found the side netting on the far post in the 70th minute.
 
Three minutes later Johnny Rimkus gave the Red Men a cushion with a soft touch off a Jamie Tausend free kick in the 73rd minute to go up 3-1.
 
"Great game for Alberto, Alexis Garcia and from our flanks players," said Domin.  "I think Johnny's goal gave us some breathing room, which ultimately made us feel comfortable attacking in waves."
 
Kevin Reilly capped things off for the Red Men in the 75th minute as a cross from Freddy Martinez was hammered home off the head of Reilly to tally the final goal of the night.
 
A second team All-CCIW selection from a season ago, Brayan Arce Justiniano earned his first win in goal of the season after allowing just one goal and making two saves in 90 minutes.
 
Next up for the team, Carthage will host their annual Battle on the Border tournament, which will feature the Red Men facing Hope College on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and the #9 University of Chicago on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  Both games will be played at Art Keller Field.
 
"Our tournament will be a significant test this weekend as some of the nation's best headed to town."