Robinson, Ill. - Three matches, two on the road. That's what was on tap for coach Gabe Carreno's 16th-ranked ICC men's soccer team (2-1-0) on Sunday afternoon. They'd take on the Statesmen from Lincoln Trail in the Cougars' first MWAC matchup of the 2023 season. Alas, for the first time this fall, a win was not in the cards. Lincoln Trail would score once in the first half, and once in the second half before ICC was able to prevent the shutout on a late goal from Christopher Slack in a 2-1 defeat. 

Granted, it didn't take very long for their two be some action on the field. The hosts had a player get a yellow card just 1:05 in. From there, however, it was fairly quiet. The Statesmen would score their first goal of the game at the 15:00 mark.

At the halftime break, it was just that aforementioned yellow card and goal, plus an ICC yellow card. 

It would be the first time in which an opponent would score twice on the Cougars, when Lincoln Trail found the back of the net at the 75:00 mark to go up 2-0. 

With not much time left to salvage the game, a renewed sense of urgency among the ICC players on the pitch led to Christopher Slack scoring a goal for the second consecutive match (second career goal as well), to put ICC on the board with just seven minutes until full time (assist Yahir Meza). 

That 2-1 final would stand come time for the 90-minute mark. 

STATS FROM THE MATCH
Goal | 83:00 | H2 | Christopher Slack (Assist Yahir Meza)
Tomas Fontes | 8 Shots on Goal, 6 Shots Saved

HE SAID IT - QUOTE FROM COACH GABE CARRENO
"The game was tricky. I think both groups knew that we were the favorites, but Lincoln Trail prepared a game plan that was fit for that occasion. They took advantage of a bit of a lethargic spell on our part in the first 15 minutes and scored off a good counter. We managed to keep possession and break lines, but their structure was good in their defensive third. We did not problem-solve in the flow of the match, including me, and that can happen in Region matches. Delicate details make a big difference, but we will be fine. Our first loss came in a decent moment - a moment that serves as a reminder to make sure we remain humble and focused."

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
@ Southwestern Illinois (SWIC)
Thursday, August 31st - 4:00 PM Kickoff
Belleville, Illinois
*Live Coverage TBA*