ELMHURST, Ill. – The Carroll University men's soccer team battled through adversity Saturday afternoon, scoring twice in the closing minutes to secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Elmhurst University at Langhorst Field. Playing with 10 men for much of the contest, the Pioneers rallied from a late 2-1 deficit to improve to 5-11-1 overall and 3-3-1 in CCIW play.
Elmhurst controlled much of the early offensive action, but Carroll goalkeeper Angel Escamilla was up to the challenge, making several key saves to keep the Bluejays off the scoreboard. The Pioneers faced additional adversity in the 20th minute when Christian Meraz received a red card, forcing Carroll to play a man down for the remainder of the match.
Despite the disadvantage, Carroll struck first in the 26th minute when Max Pusic found the back of the net for his first goal of the season, giving the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage. Elmhurst continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, outshooting Carroll 19-3, but Escamilla recorded six first-half saves to preserve the one-goal lead heading into halftime.
The Bluejays eventually broke through in the 65th minute when Andrew Walters scored off assists from Nicolo Azzani and Kameron McShaw, evening the score at 1-1. Elmhurst then grabbed its first lead of the afternoon in the 84th minute when Charlie Terriquez scored off an assist from Loretto Lopez, putting Carroll behind 2-1 with just over six minutes remaining.
However, the Pioneers refused to go away. Iskander Sharipov answered with an unassisted goal in the 84th minute to bring Carroll level at 2-2. With time winding down, Sharipov delivered once again, scoring his second goal of the afternoon in the 90th minute to complete the dramatic comeback and give Carroll a 3-2 victory.
Sharipov led the Pioneers offensively with two goals on four shots, including three on target, while Pusic added a goal on his lone shot of the contest. Obada Altahat contributed three shots, all on goal, as Carroll finished with 14 total shots, including nine on target. Escamilla was outstanding between the posts, recording nine saves in the victory. Elmhurst finished with 26 shots, including 11 on goal, while holding a 3-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Carroll returns to action Wednesday, October 28, when the Pioneers travel to Chicago, Ill., to face North Park University in another CCIW matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
