Carthage College Athletics

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage College men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Elmhurst on Wednesday night at Art Keller Field to start College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play.

The Firebirds battled through a scoreless opening 88 minutes before the visitors broke through late to take the lead. Carthage continued to pressure in the final minutes but was unable to find the equalizer.

• Final Score: Elmhurst 1, Carthage 0
• Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin — Art Keller Field
• Records: Elmhurst 3-3-1, 1-0-0 CCIW; Carthage 2-4-1, 0-1-0 CCIW

• Carthage created opportunities early, with Axel Simeck and Adrian Atanassov recording shots on target during the opening five minutes.
• The Firebirds continued to generate chances throughout the first half, including a shot from Dennis Valle that was saved by the visiting goalkeeper.
• Owen Malinowski made two saves during the opening half as the match remained scoreless at halftime.
• Carthage nearly broke through early in the second half when Jordan Mok's shot struck the woodwork in the 52nd minute.
• Eli Schoffstall followed with a pair of second-half attempts as the Firebirds continued to push forward.
• Malinowski made several key saves during the second half, including stops in the 57th, 69th, and 72nd minutes.
• Carthage continued to pressure late, with Schoffstall, Isaac Cummings, Dennis Valle, and Kevin Sarazin all recording shots during the final 11 minutes.
• The visitors broke the scoreless tie in the 89th minute, scoring off a ball played into the box to take a 1-0 lead.
• Carthage immediately pushed for an equalizer, with Valle forcing a save and Theron Miceli recording a final shot, but the Firebirds were unable to find the back of the net.

• Owen Malinowski made five saves in 90 minutes of action.
• Eli Schoffstall recorded three shots, including one on target.
• Dennis Valle finished with three shots, including two on target.
• Axel Simeck and Adrian Atanassov each recorded a shot on target.
• Carthage finished with 12 shots, including five on goal.

It's always tough to lose late like tonight. As a coaching staff, we're proud of how the guys have grown, and we know we'll continue to grow. Back to work tomorrow!

• Carthage stays at home playing Millikin on Saturday, September 26, at 4:30 p.m.