Box Score The John Carroll University men's soccer team put its home fans through the ringer Tuesday evening as it built a two-goal lead, surrendered a two-goal lead, then utilized a late goal to beat its crosstown rival in a dramatic and physical match staged at Don Shula Stadium. 

Coming off a 1-0 loss to Medaille College on the road Saturday, JCU was in search of its offense. The offense appeared to have been found, as goals from Kevin Pachuta, Brian Potocnik, and Jimmy Matina broke down a stout Case Western Reserve defense which came into the contest having allowed just four goals this season and never more than two in any one match.

The non-conference matchup was neck-and-neck until the Blue and Gold took the advantage with the evening's first goal from Pachuta on a breakaway with the support coming from Potocnik and Jacob Lombardo, who received the assists for the play.

The Blue Streaks kept up the momentum from their previous goal as Pachuta sent a cross right to the feet of Potocnik, putting John Carroll up 2-0 in the 28th minute.

JCU appeared to be in complete command until Michael Balog scored his third goal of the season on a line drive turnaround from 18 yards out in the 53rd minute, Balog would later score his fourth goal of the year in the 58th minute when he rebounded his own penalty kick that had been saved by JCU keeper Derek Jenkins.
 
The next 25 minutes of regulation were tense as the two Cleveland area rivals sought to gain the upper hand. With less than eight minutes remaining, Jimmy Mattina came through for the Blue Streaks  as he tallied John Carroll's third goal off a header coming from Potocnik's feed from the corner.

It was Mattina's second game-winning goal of the season.

"It's good to be back on the scoreboard after a couple shutouts from earlier in the season," said Potocnik, who finished with a goal and two assists.

Jenkins, who finished with three saves on the night, sealed his first career victory when scooped up a loose ball in a scramble in the box to prevent a potential game-tying goal with 1:30 left on the clock.

John Carroll now has three straight wins over Case Western Reserve at home, and improves its record to 4-3 on the season.  The Spartans fell to 4-2-1 with the loss.

The Blue Streaks are on the road again for the next two games, starting with Saint Vincent College on Saturday, Sept. 20.  The game is slated for 4:30 p.m.