Illinois Tech's Scarlett Hawks fight back to stretch their winning streak to four straight games
Springfield, IL - After three consecutive home wins the Scarlet Hawks travelled to Springfield on Wednesday night full of confidence as they entered into a tough contest with a talented UIS (University of Illinois Springfield) side. The game turned out to be one of the most exciting of the season so far, as the Hawks rallied in the final 30 minutes to pick up their fourth consecutive victory of the year.
The game started at a break neck pace as the Hawks flew out of the traps in pursuit of the games first goal but with a string of missed chances and some fine goalkeeping, from Springfield's Chance Walker, the score somehow remained goalless at the halftime mark.
The home team came back into the game at the start of the second period of play and were rewarded on the hour mark when Michial Filipiak skilfully lifted the ball over the out rushing Michael Tilatti to score the games first goal.
The lead didn't last for long though, 2 minutes to be exact, as the Hawks quickly got back on level terms through a superb Andrew Lichaj goal. Sophomore forward Graeme Port found himself with time in the opposition's box where he cut the ball back to freshman winger Rob Ritchie-Smith. Smith then unselfishly laid the ball into the path of the onrushing Andrew Lichaj who confidently thumped the ball into the roof of the net to level the game at 1-1.
With the momentum in the away teams favour the Hawks went in pursuit of the games winning goal and they didn't have to wait long as in the 73rd minute junior midfielder Thiago Jardim fired the Chicago team into the lead.
After two blocked Rob Ritchie-Smith shots the ball somehow found its way to the Brazilian midfielder who rifled the ball past Walker to score what would turn out to be the games winning goal.
Some late pressure was applied in the closing stages of the game by the home team but the Hawks defended valiantly to record the team's fourth win of the year.
The Hawks will be in action again this Saturday as they return to the 'Hawks Nest' where they will face a tough encounter with Harris-Stowe State College.
Kick off will be at 5pm.
