East Peoria, IL - A fairly short-notice change of location was no problem for the Illinois Central College men's soccer team, who opened the 2024 campaign at the home turf of the CougarPlex against Malcolm X. The Cougars would take control, eventually coming away with a 4-0 victory, as two goals from freshman Edgar Ludena put the game on ice and secured the clean sheet. 

ICC controlled possession early on, but the scoring just hadn't quite presented itself yet. At roughly the midway point of the opening 45 minutes, Alejandro Acosta found Jeanpierre Carvajal for a 1-0 lead at 16:23. 

The Cougars maintained their momentum with the ball, and were able to get a couple shots on goal within the first couple minutes after the score, but for the time being, it remained 1-0. The ball largely remained on ICC's half of the pitch all the way until the halftime break, subsequently maintaining that 1-0 score. 

Out of the break, the Cougars nearly found their way to the net within the first 30 seconds, with a shot from just outside the 18' bending just high and left of the goal. Then six minutes into the half, amidst a mass in front of the goal, Acosta, who'd assisted on the initial goal, joined the scoring himself for a 2-0 lead. 

From the 51-61 minute mark, Malcolm X had perhaps their best run of possession in the match, but the Cougar attack was still showing flashes, getting a couple touches back on their half of the pitch every now and again. 

Tensions ran high, and by match's end, both squads would finish one player short on cards, but amidst the intensity, Edgar Ludena scored his aforementioned two goals within the match's last 20 minutes, giving the Cougars a 4-0 win in the official start to the season. 

HE SAID IT - COMMENT FROM COACH GABE CARRENO
"The team was resilient through all phases of the game and dealt with adverse situations well enough to get us scoring opportunities regardless of the situations presented." 

WHAT'S UP NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
@ D2 Southeastern Iowa
Wednesday, August 28th - 3:30 PM
Burlington Rec Plex - Burlington, IA
Watch Live (ICCAC Sports Network)