East Peoria, Ill. - The #5 Illinois Central College men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with the nation's top-ranked team, #1 Iowa Western and came away with a 2-2 tie at Eastside Centre Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Coach Gabe Carreno's squad stayed resilient throughout the contest, tying the game in the 72nd minute for the end result.

"This team has proven to thrive under pressure," Carreno said. "We show great resiliency game after game and the results are showing that thus far."

Each team had opportunities in the first half but could not score as they were both evenly matched.

The Cougars (7-1-2) struck first at the 50th minute on a great shot from thirty-five yards out by Nathan Le Roux on an assist by Pierrot Mourton.

IWCC (7-0-4) answered on the 59th minute for a 1-1 tie and then just three minutes later, scored on a penalty kick to make it 2-1 in favor of the Rievers.

ICC stayed on the attack, tying the game on Mourton's assist to Nils Fechner, as the defender joined the attack for another goal outside of the goalie box.

Goalkeeper Milo Paci had eight saves for ICC.

"Today's game from the boys proves that we belong among the best," Carreno said. "We can achieve grand things this fall if we stay consistent and committed to our principles."

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Saturday, October 4 at 5pm
at Southwestern Illinois
Blue Storm Field
Belleville, IL