Box Score Going into Saturday's contest, the John Carroll men's soccer team had a winning streak at Shula Stadium dating back to October of 2011.

The Blue Streaks' upperclassmen made sure that streak would continue, as they defeated the Thomas More Saints at home by a final score of 2-1.

John Carroll came out of the gate swinging, putting multiple shots on goal in the first two minutes. Thomas More also put an early shot on goal in the first ten minutes, but were turned away by freshman goalkeeper Zach Fehrenbach.

Mariusz Trzeciak took a shot in the 16th minute that was turned away, leading to an second chance opportunity for the Blue Streaks. Brian Potocnik sent a corner kick in on the next possession and laid the ball out for Trent Guy, who buried the header shot from six yards out.

John Carroll's defense then settled in, keeping the ball out of their box for over 10 minutes.

Potocnik would miss a chance to extend the lead on a free kick in the 24th minute. Minutes later, Thomas More would finally strike off the foot of Ryan Runyon, tying the game at 1-1 going into the half.

Despite a 7-2 edge in shots, JCU and Thomas more remained deadlocked at the intermission.

It did not take long to break the tie. Trzeciak scored off a rebound just 1:50 into the second half, giving the Blue Streaks a lead they would not surrender.

Both teams were chippy with each other from the first whistle. A total of six yellow cards were given out, including one to both teams' head coaches. 

Despite a relentlessly suffocating defense that limited the visitors to five shots, the Saints had two late opportunties. RJ Best nearly tied the game in the 75th minute, but his shot hit the cross bar. Another shot struck the right post on a deflection, but the JCU defense held strong for the remainder of the game, sealing the narrow victory.

After the game, head coach Hector Marinaro commented on his team's growth.

"In the past, we might have lost this game," Marinaro said. "But we fought hard for ninety minutes and battled and came out with the win."