JACKSONVILLE, Ill. -- The Ripon College men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Illinois College on Saturday afternoon at England Stadium.
The Red Hawks battled throughout the contest, but Illinois College found the back of the net once in each half to secure the victory.
Ripon freshman goalkeeper Sebastian Covarrubias (Madison, Wis., Madison West HS) kept the Red Hawks within striking distance, recording six saves across 90 minutes. Illinois College held a 20-7 advantage in shots, but Ripon put four shots on target.
The Red Hawks generated several opportunities late in the first half. Sophomore Easton Wolfram (Sun Prairie, Wis., Lakeside Lutheran HS) registered a shot on goal in the 42nd minute that was saved, while sophomore Carmine Di Miele (Elmhurst, Ill., York Community HS) and junior Gabe O'Doherty (La Vista, Neb., Roncalli Catholic HS) also recorded shots shortly before halftime. Illinois College carried a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Ripon continued to create chances in the second half. Senior Thomas Geocaris (Green Bay, Wis., Notre Dame Academy) forced a save in the 63rd minute, while juniors Treyton Yi (Streamwood, Ill., Monmouth College) and Ryan Paltzer (Naperville, Ill., Naperville North HS) each recorded shots later in the period. Paltzer finished the afternoon with a team-high two shots, including one on target.
Illinois College added its second goal in the 53rd minute, extending its lead to 2-0.
The Red Hawks continued to pressure the Blueboys in the closing minutes, with Paltzer recording another shot in the 85th minute. Ripon's defense also held Illinois College scoreless over the final 38 minutes, but the Red Hawks were unable to find the back of the net.
With the result, Ripon moves to 4-4-1 overall and 2-2-0 in Midwest Conference play. The Red Hawks return home Tuesday, Oct 6, hosting Cornell College at 7:30pm at Ingalls Field.
