V-Hawks Claim Win in Conference Opener

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Men's Soccer team claimed a 3-1 home win over Saint Xavier University (Ill.) in their first conference match as a member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The V-Hawks improve to 4-1-3 (1-0-0 CCAC), while the Cougars fall to 3-2-4 (1-1-0 CCAC).

Viterbo started the scoring early, with a goal by Joaquin Eichhorn assisted by Conner Erdmann. Saint Xavier responded quickly with a shot on goal, but that would be saved by Ernesto Ascenzo. Eichhorn had another shot on goal, a header that was saved by Andres Zamora in the 13^th minute. Six minutes later, Aidan Greer also landed a shot on goal, and Adam Krakora did as well in the 30^th minute. Santiago Tellez would record the final shot of the half, but the match would remain 1-0 going into the break.

Saint Xavier evened the game quickly, with an Andy Lomeli assisted goal to Jessie Cardiel at 48:08. At 53:48 Alfie Gyurkovits put the V-Hawks back in the lead, on a goal assisted by Ville Forsmark. Gyurkovits had another attempt saved by Zamora in the 62^nd minute, but he would find Nicolas Lopez for a goal at 67:48. Ascenzo would record two more saves to close the match, and Lopez had one final shot on goal.

Gyurkovits took three shots with two on goal, earning a score and an assist. Lopez took four shots two on goal. Six Cougars attempted shots, with four landing on goal. Ernesto Ascenzo (W, 3-1-3) recorded three saves, and Andres Zamora (L, 2-2-2) had six.

The V-Hawks return to action on Wednesday, September 27 at 3:30 as they host Trinity Christian University (Ill.).