WAUKESHA, WI. - Carroll University men's soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit with four second-half goals Saturday afternoon, storming back to defeat Millikin University 5-4 at Schneider Stadium.
The Pioneers struck first in the 19th minute, taking a 1-0 advantage before Millikin responded with three unanswered goals. The Big Blue found the back of the net in the 24th, 33rd and 38th minutes to take a 3-1 advantage into halftime.
Carroll came out of the break with a completely different level of urgency. Iskander Sharipov started the comeback less than five minutes into the second half, scoring his third goal of the season in the 50th minute to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Just under 10 minutes later, Edin Hajric pulled the Pioneers even. Sharipov set up Hajric with a cross for the equalizer in the 60th minute, suddenly bringing Carroll all the way back from its two-goal halftime deficit.
Millikin answered quickly, however, as Olav Kaldahl scored in the 63rd minute to put the Big Blue back in front, 4-3.
Once again, Carroll responded. Nathan Patzer delivered the equalizer in the 79th minute, scoring his first goal of the season to make it 4-4 and set up a frantic finish at Schneider Stadium.
Five minutes later, Hajric struck again. Pablo Segura Larraz assisted Hajric on the eventual game-winning goal in the 84th minute, completing Carroll's comeback and giving the Pioneers their first lead since the opening half. Hajric's second goal of the afternoon capped a four-goal second half for Carroll and secured the 5-4 victory.
Hajric led the Carroll attack with two goals, while Sharipov finished with a goal and an assist. Patzer added a goal, and Segura Larraz recorded an assist. Carroll finished the afternoon with 17 shots, including 12 in the second half, while putting 10 attempts on goal.
The victory moves Carroll to 4-6-1 overall and keeps the Pioneers unbeaten in CCIW play at 2-0-1.
The Pioneers return to action Tuesday when they travel to Milwaukee to face Marquette University in an exhibition match.
