MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – The Illinois College men's soccer team threatened to tie the match late, but Cornell College hung on for a 1-0 win over the Blueboys on Sunday afternoon. The loss drops IC to 5-9-2 (1-4-0 Midwest Conference) on the season.
Cornell controlled the action in the first half with an 11-1 edge in shots, but
Raul Rubalcava made six saves of the seven shots that were on target. The junior was unlucky with the one that got past him. In the 42nd minute, a long throw-in was cleared out to Blake Soto who whipped a shot off his right foot into a crowd in front of goal. The ball rebounded back to him and he took a reflex shot off his left foot that somehow cleared the cluster of players and went in past Rubalcava, who had his vision partially blocked by the congregation in front of him.
Chasing a tying goal, the Blueboys had their best chance in the 72nd minute. After a Cornell foul,
Thomas Saitta's shot hit the crossbar to allow the Rams to stay in front. In the final 30 seconds, Illinois College had another opportunity off of a Cornell foul, but
Brock Ziegemeier's shot was saved by Tom Gallagher to preserve the victory.
The Blueboys come home for two matches at England Stadium next weekend, starting with a 1:30 p.m. match against St. Norbert College on Oct. 19.
