Men's Soccer Drop Season Opener to Millikin

Box Score DECATUR, Ill. - The Illinois College men's soccer team opened their 2023 season with a 5-4 loss to Millikin University Saturday night.

In the early minutes of action, the Blueboys had control of the ball as Jason Hernandez scored the first goal of the season at the 3:17 marker. Roughly 15 minutes later, Albert Nimako netted his shot on goal at the 18:36 marker that gave IC the 2-0 advantage. 

However, in the final five minutes in the first half, Millikin's Alvin Bramhagen cut the deficit in half with a goal as the score was 2-1 at the intermission. 

In the opening minute of the second half, Millikin's Johannes Smaaberg tied the game at two apiece with a goal.

One minute later, a foul in the box by Millikin lead to a penalty kick goal by Tyler Lunning that got the Blueboys back on top at 3-2. 

The game continued to go back-and-forth as teams exchanged goals. In the final minutes of the game, Millikin got a goal to take the victory over the Blueboys. 

For the game, Hernandez, Lunning, Reed Rogers, and Nimako all found the back of net for IC. 

The Blueboys will host Westminster College (Mo.) on Monday September 4 at 4:00PM in England Stadium.