Box Score

LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's soccer team took another step towards a conference title with a 3-1 win over Lakeland.

""We were satisfied to get the victory and another three points today," said head coach Rich Nassif. "It was certainly a tough week for us with three contests in five days. I don't think anyone on our squad was thrilled with our sharpness this week, but that just tells us there is more work to be done. While we are getting results and we're now two matches away from wrapping up the NACC regular season, the desire within our team to keep getting better needs to formulate into better play on the field. I know it is in us and am confident we will see all cylinders start to fire down the home stretch."

The contest featured plenty of end to end action with both teams creating bunches of opportunities. Anes Kadiric tallied the first goal in the 23rd minute. Kadiric headed home a cross from Lupe Martinez, putting just enough on it to sneak it into the back of the net. The goal was the lone marker of the first 45 minutes, which saw Benedictine hold a 7-6 edge in shots.

Edgar Reyes made good on a penalty kick in the 65th minute to stretch the lead to 2-0 following a hand ball in the box. Ante Markotic capped the scoring for Benedictine by finishing a deflection in the 84th minute to pad the lead to 3-0.

Both teams totaled 16 shots in the match. Kadiric paced Benedictine with five. Zorohn Reed was able to record four saves in goal, allowing just a single strike in the 87th minute.

"Credit Lakeland, they have really improved from last year," Nassif added. "We did not do ourselves any favors in that match. We seemed to be in a hurry, impatient in the build up, and trying to make every opportunity work instead of taking the space allowed and wearing them down. It was also disappointing not to get the shutout. That being said, we produced some very quality scoring opportunities and capitalized on three of them which was a good note. We will use a light week ahead of us to recharge the batteries, get some guys back, and focus on a very important match against Aurora this Thursday."

Benedictine (8-6-1, 7-0-1) has two remaining conference contests, both at home. Aurora visits on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.