LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's soccer team notched a 2-1 decision over Dominican on Tuesday night in a matchup of the two teams who tied for the 2013 NACC Title.
The two programs played stout defense in the opening 45 minutes of action and throughout the game, with opportunities spread out.
Steve Mack made a save in goal during the eighth minute for Benedictine. The Eagles immediately countered with
Ante Markotic having an opportunity turned away just over a minute later.
Edgar Reyes had a late chance but fired wide near the end of the first.
Benedictine opened the scoring in the 66th minute.
Nick Kapetanos netted his fifth goal of the season on a through ball following a long punt from Mack. Mack's punt found the feet of
Ante Markotic in the offensive end, who played on to Kapetanos for the tally. Less than 10 minutes later another counter enabled Benedictine to open a 2-0 advantage. Kapetanos crossed into the box and the ball was headed on by
Jonny Lehman to Reyes, who blasted home the finder into the bottom right corner of the net.
The visitors scratched to within 2-1 on a goal in the 82nd minute on a set piece. Dominican had one more opportunity, but Mack made a diving stop in the final minute and Benedictine was able to deny a last ditch corner kick effort.
The contest featured just 14 total shots as Dominican held an 8-6 edge. Mack halted three shots in net. Reyes, who scored last year's game-winner against Dominican, and Markotic notched two shots apiece in the winning effort.
"I thought it was a really good and spirited match from both teams," said Head Coach
Rich Nassif. "Whenever you look at the NACC or talk about soccer in this area, Dominican is one of those storied programs. There's no doubt that this is another night we will remember, and I could not be prouder of our guys."
Dominican (3-4-2, 1-1 NACC) has been beaten twice in conference play during the existence of the NACC, both times at the hands of Benedictine, who tallied a 1-0 win on the road last year to break an 88-match conference unbeaten streak. Dominican has advanced to 12 consecutive NCAA Tournaments and is the only school to ever represent the conference in the NCAAs.
Benedictine (3-5-1, 2-0 NACC) meets Edgewood on the road Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Edgewood ousted Benedictine from the conference tournament last season.
