WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University men's soccer team battled throughout Wednesday night's CCIW matchup at Schneider Stadium, but a pair of second-half goals from Wheaton proved to be the difference as the Pioneers fell 3-2. Carroll moved to 4-8-1 overall and 2-2-1 in conference play with the loss.
Wheaton opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Jack Kern found the back of the net, but Carroll answered just over five minutes later. Iskander Sharipov set up Pablo Segura Larraz, who scored in the 17th minute to bring the Pioneers level at 1-1. Carroll continued to generate opportunities throughout the opening half, putting five of its six shots on frame while also earning three corner kicks.
The match remained tied heading into halftime before Wheaton regained the lead in the 53rd minute on a goal from Craig Rusin. The Thunder added another just under six minutes later as Reuben Bos scored to extend the advantage to 3-1.
Carroll continued to battle and cut the deficit in half in the 81st minute. Segura Larraz struck for his second goal of the night, this time off assists from Obada Altahat and Edin Hajric, pulling the Pioneers within 3-2 with just over nine minutes remaining. Carroll earned another corner in the 88th minute but was unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle.
Segura Larraz led Carroll's attack with two goals on three shots, all three of which were on target. Sharipov, Altahat and Hajric each recorded an assist, while Daniel Gil finished with three saves in goal. The Pioneers held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks and put seven of their 11 shots on target. Wheaton finished with 13 total shots, including six on goal.
Carroll returns to Schneider Stadium on Saturday when the Pioneers host Illinois Wesleyan at 3:30 p.m. in another CCIW matchup.
