RIPON, Wis. – The Illinois College men's soccer team used a big start and a big finish to top Ripon College on Sunday afternoon, 3-2, in soggy Wisconsin conditions. The scoring started in the opening seconds for the Blueboys and ended in the 88th minute when
Patrick Marker netted the game-winner. Illinois College improves to 5-6-2 (1-1-0 Midwest Conference) with the victory.
The match had hardly begun when Illinois College struck to take a 1-0 lead.
Christian Lopez scored what is potentially the fastest goal in program history when he found the back of the net with 18 seconds elapsed.
Spencer Bloome had the assist on the goal.
Ripon wasn't down for long, putting a shot off the post and in with five minutes gone. Esteban Borja scored that goal and he then assisted on the go-ahead Red Hawk goal in the 54th minute from Christian Millan. Only 36 seconds after Ripon went ahead, Lopez scored his second goal of the day to tie it at 2-2 in the 55th minute.
Overtime was looming in the final three minutes of regulation when the Blueboys lofted a hopeful ball into the 18-yard box. Ripon keeper Kenny Smith made an awkward attempt on a clearance and was out of position when the ball fell to Marker. The freshman calmly collected the ball at his feet and put his shot where Smith couldn't get to it, putting the Blueboys on top. Ripon was not able to mount a threat from there and IC earned its first MWC win of the season.
Raul Rubalcava made seven saves to earn the win in goal for Illinois College.
Brock Ziegemeier had four shots in the game for the Blueboys and Lopez added three.
The Blueboys are back home on Oct. 5 to host Knox College at England Stadium. First kick is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. following the women's match between the two teams.
