CHICAGO, Ill. - The Benedictine University men's soccer team allowed a late goal in a 2-1 loss to fifth-ranked University of Chicago on Saturday.

Chicago struck early, scoring on a rebound in the third minute. The hosts held a 1-0 lead all the way until the 76th minute, when Nick Kapetanos fed Gio Ovalle for the equalizer. Chicago grabbed the lead again in the 83rd minute and a last second shot on a counter sailed wide.

"Chicago was the best team we have played to date, very sophisticated in the way they try to build and attack," head coach Rich Nassif said. "We came out extremely flat in the opening minutes but I liked the fight we put in to hold the deficit at one despite being outplayed. A few key adjustments at the half evened the flow of the game up a bit and although Chicago remained very dangerous we found a way to equalize via some beautiful work by Gio (Ovalle). It was definitely disappointing to concede the winner with only seven minutes remaining, we simply made one too many mistakes against a very strong team."

Chicago held an 18-9 advantage in shots. Kapetanos led the way with four shots. Miguel Sanchez added two. Steve Mack stopped eight shots in net.

 "This ended up being a difficult matchup for us as our fourth match in eight days," Nassif added. "We definitely could have benefitted from fresher legs and minds, but I thought we displayed a character and grit today than can propel us moving forward. We also have to mention Steve (Mack) for a fantastic match keeping us in striking distance, he made some big time saves on the day. Wednesday will be no easier against national powerhouse Wheaton but I suspect we will carry even more fight than today."

Benedictine (3-4) faces another nationally recognized team on the road Wednesday at Wheaton College, who was ranked second in the NSCAA preseason poll.