Lopez Scores Three Times in Draw

JOLIET, Ill. – The Viterbo University Men's Soccer team traveled to University of St. Francis (Ill.) on Saturday afternoon for a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference contest, and left with a 3-3 draw. The V-Hawks now sit at 6-4-6 (3-3-3) on the year, while the Saints hold a 7-6-2 (4-4-2 CCAC) record.

The V-Hawks took the lead quickly, as Nicolas Lopez scored just 51 seconds into the game. After a save by Ernesto Ascenzo, the Saint evened the match in the 15^th minute on a goal by Pablo Rubio Guerra. Sergio Fernandez-Arango then put USF in the lead on an assist by Diego Cortes at 33:32. Lopez answered for VU on a penalty kick just before halftime.

After a shot on goal by Sebastian Acosta was saved, and Alfie Gyurkovits attempt was blocked, Jose Perez gave the advantage back to the Saints, assisted by Ander Santamarta. Ascenzo had another save, followed by an assist, setting up Lopez's third goal of the match. Neither team would manage another shot on goal for the rest of the match, and it would end it a 3-3 tie.

Lopez totaled five shots, with three on goal, and Acosta added four. Guerra took five shots for the Saints. Ernesto Ascenzo (T, 5-3-6) recorded five saves, and Erick Murillo (T, 7-61) had one.

The V-Hawks return to action on Tuesday, October 24 as they host St. Ambrose University (Iowa) in their final home game of the year.