East Peoria, IL - On a surprisingly balmy afternoon at the CougarPlex, the 15th-ranked Illinois Central College Men's Soccer team (8-3-3, 3-2-1) took to the pitch against D2 #14-ranked Heartland (7-4-3) in one final non-conference tuneup for the Cougars before the page was to be turned to postseason. A much more action-packed second half saw three of the match's four goals, the last of which allowed ICC to rebound and settle for a draw after a pair of losses over the past week. ICC now turns its page to the Region Semifinal on the road on Saturday. 

The first half did not see quite as much excitement. Granted, the Cougars controlled possession, but at least initially, there was not much to speak of statistically. It wasn't until Alejandro Acosta found himself on a one-on-one breakaway with the Heartland defender, and was able to beat the keeper as well for a Cougar goal at 17:20 for a 1-0 lead. The ICC defense continued to hold, allowing the occasional Heartland opportunity, but not to the degree of concern just yet. 

Brandon Castro nearly got on the board with a close header that was saved be the Hawks' keeper (22:07) to keep the Cougar lead at 1-0. 

From there, though, it was a steady defensive pressure from ICC that kept the shutout in tact. 

The Hawks would eventually start to slip through the cracks, however. A speedy Hawks shot was stopped by Sebastian Naranjo in goal for the Cougars to take a ensure a lead was had going into halftime. 

Out of the halftime break, however, a re-energized Heartland squad increased the attack. A header goal just 1:13 into the second half brought the game to a 1-1 tie. The Hawk keeper would make a sliding save off a Cougar shot at 11:23 as well, as momentum seemed to be changing hands to an extent. 

Then, at 61:34, the Hawks got a couple passes, leading to the perfect touch on the back side of an ICC set, and subsequently finding the goal for a 2-1 lead for the visitors. With 28:26 left in the match, the intensity on the Cougar bench would go up a notch, wanting to try and secure a tie, perhaps go for the win to complete the comeback. 

Secure, they would. At the 75:08 mark, a hand ball was called in the box - ICC got a break they needed. Tasked with getting the match back to a tie was Adam Pike, who would beat the keeper and make it 2-2 with 14:52 left. 

For the last 15 minutes, the action, at least stat-able in nature, would simmer down and the clock would hit zeros, with the Cougars and Hawks drawing at the aforementioned 2-2 score. 

GOAL SCORING 
Alejandro Acosta | 17:20 | 2nd Goal of the Season
Adam Pike | 75:08 | 6th Goal of the Season

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2024 Region 24 Tournament Semifinal
@ Southwestern Illinois Blue Storm (9-6-4)
Saturday, October 26th - 1:00 PM
2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221