Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Ryan Cvitkovic vs. Wittenberg 10-3-26
Cory Lizalde
1
Wittenberg WIT (3-3-4, 0-1-0)
3
Winner John Carroll JCU (4-4-2, 1-0-0)
Wittenberg WIT
(3-3-4, 0-1-0)
1
Final
3
John Carroll JCU
(4-4-2, 1-0-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Wittenberg WIT 1 0 1
John Carroll JCU 2 1 3

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | JCUSID

Men's Soccer Storms Past Wittenberg to Kickoff Conference Play

Ryan Cvitkovic notched a brace to steer the Blue Streaks to victory

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A new season got underway on Saturday, as John Carroll Men's Soccer kicked off North Coast Athletic Conference play.

After giving up an early goal, the Blue Streaks dominated Wittenberg on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon at Don Shula Stadium.

The Blue Streaks blasted past the Tigers in a strong showing, 3-1. 

The conference opener did not lack fireworks in the first five-plus minutes.

Just 51 seconds into the match, a JCU foul led to a Wittenberg free kick. A great boot by James D'Isidoro sent the ball bounding into the box. Collin LaVeck turned and sent a low-middle shot past the keeper. Just 77 seconds into the game, the Blue Streaks found themselves trailing. 

But the hosts did not flinch. Rafa De La Barrera fired in a perfect cornerkick from the far side, finding the head of Ryan Cvitkovic for a much-needed goal. Just like that in the sixth minute, the game stood tied. 

The Blue Streaks kept pressing hard even after evening things up. De La Barrera annoyed the Wittenberg defenders with his speediness, unlocking some opportunities. But offsides calls hindered the Blue Streaks on several occasions, as great chances were called off due to offsides. 

In the 33rd minute, the Blue Streaks got the tiebreaker. On a long run up the JCU sideline, Cvitkovic outraced a Tiger defender. The first year from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin slotted a fantastic ball low right off the bar to beat the keeper. 

John Carroll continued to mostly enjoy the better of the play, despite a Wittenberg shot here or there. 
The second half of action kicked off with fouls and freekicks not allowing any momentum from either team.

A clean pass from Dante Rajaie to Harley Forkins, and a few footskills to make three Tigers miss, Forkins was able to find the back of the net, and after plenty of runs up and down the pitch, John Carroll pushed further in the lead at the 64 minute mark.

Both teams throughout the half had strong momentum going down field, but the defense was able to clear the ball before the 18 yard box.

Wittenberg had a strong press on the Blue Streaks, and became dangerous in the 6 yard box. Tiger Luke Garza was able to finally take a shot, but was deflected off of the shin by Bryce Sampson.

The Tigers had a few chances of their own against Sampson, but have yet to get past the brick wall in the second half. John Carroll came out on top with a final score 3-1.

Next Up
The Blue Streaks will be back in action on Wednesday, travelling to Granville, Ohio to face the Denison Big Red at 7 pm.
Print Friendly Version

Sponsors