WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University men's soccer earned its first conference victory of the season Wednesday night, defeating rival Carthage 2-1 at Schneider Stadium. The Pioneers improved to 3-6-1 overall and 1-0-1 in CCIW play with the victory.
Carroll struck first midway through the opening half when Iskander Sharipov found the back of the net in the 24th minute. After sustained pressure in the attacking third, Sheridan Joseph picked up the assist as Sharipov converted for his second goal of the season, giving the Pioneers a 1-0 advantage.
The Pioneers controlled much of the first half, outshooting the Firebirds 6-3 and taking the lead into the break. Daniel Gil made a save early in the contest to preserve the advantage, while the Carroll back line limited Carthage's opportunities throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Carthage responded shortly after halftime, equalizing in the 52nd minute on a goal from Dominic Gadalinski to even the match at 1-1. Despite the setback, Carroll remained composed and continued to push forward in search of a winner.
That breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Obada Altahat delivered the decisive goal. Nathan Patzer sent a pass into the attack, and Altahat finished the opportunity for his second goal of the season, restoring Carroll's lead at 2-1. The Pioneers continued to defend the advantage over the final 15 minutes and successfully saw out the result.
Gil earned his first victory of the season in goal, making one save across the full 90 minutes. Carroll finished with an 11-8 advantage in shots and held a 5-2 edge in shots on goal. Edin Hajric paced the Pioneers with four shots, while Sharipov and Pablo Segura Larraz each added two.
The victory gives Carroll four points through its opening two conference matches and marks an important early step in the race for a CCIW postseason berth.
The Pioneers return to Schneider Stadium on Saturday for Senior Day, when they host Millikin University at 3:30 p.m. in another crucial CCIW matchup.
