JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College men's soccer team gave Cornell College all it could handle, but a goal from Ole Tomassen late in the second half allowed the Rams to escape England Stadium with their unbeaten record intact for at least another match. The victory by the visitors ups their record to 10-0-2 (3-0-1 Midwest Conference), while the Blueboys fall to 4-9-1 (1-3-1 MWC).
The score remained tied at 0-0 after an opening 45 minutes in which shots were even at five apiece.
Ryan May had two shots on goal that were saved by Jerome Richards, including a breakaway that was Illinois College's best chance on the day to break down a stubborn Cornell defense that has allowed only five goals on the entire season.
Cornell had the slightly better run of play in the second half, but
Raul Rubalcava was in the right spot most of the time to keep the Blueboys on level terms. Midway through the half,
Luke Iraci had a couple opportunities, but his first shot was blocked and Richards made a save on his second attempt.
The Rams jumped on top in the 74th minute with a goal by Tomassen that was assisted with a cross from Kean Johansen. In the closing stretch of the contest, IC could manage only a pair of shot attempts, the first of which by
Brock Ziegemeier was saved by Richards. May's last-gasp effort in the final minute was blocked away by the Cornell defense to preserve the win.
Illinois College heads out on the road for a pair of matches next weekend. First up is an Oct. 13 contest at St. Norbert College beginning at 11 a.m.
