KENOSHA — The Carthage men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday night, but a goal in the closing seconds handed the Firebirds a 2-1 defeat at Art Keller Field.

• Final Score: Illinois Wesleyan 2 – Carthage 1
• Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin – Art Keller Field
• Records: Illinois Wesleyan 7-1-2 (1-0-0 CCIW), Carthage 1-5-2 (0-1-1 CCIW)

• Carthage came out strong in the opening half, taking the lead in the 27th minute when Gabriele Pizzo headed in a free kick from Emmitt Hansen to make it 1-0.
• Illinois Wesleyan ramped up its pressure after halftime, breaking through in the 59th minute when Gavin Young converted off a free kick into the box to tie the match at one apiece.
• The Firebirds battled to hold off the Titans' attack, but with just seven seconds left in regulation, Illinois Wesleyan buried the go-ahead goal, sealing the 2-1 result.

• Gabriel Pizzo netted his first goal of the season.
• Emmitt Hansen picked up his first assist of the year.
• Carthage goalkeeper Aaron The turned away nine shots, including six in the second half, to keep the Firebirds in the contest.
• Jordan Mok registered two shots on goal.

"It was a tough conference battle as expected. We started well and deserved the halftime lead. Illinois Wesleyan definitely pushed hard in the second half and deserved their equalizer, but for the tremendous effort we gave, it was very harsh to concede in the last 6 seconds. I really feel for our boys as they gave everything tonight, but these are the moments that will help us grow."



Carthage stays at home playing Carroll (Wis.) on Wednesday, October 8, at 7 p.m.