Lakers Fall To Tigers In Non-Conference Finale

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Roosevelt struggled to find a consistent grasp on the game in its final non-conference battle of the season Thursday night at Morris Field against Campbellsville.

The Lakers (1-3-1) fell 3-1 to the visiting Tigers despite outshooting them 10-9 and most of the other stats being equal. The difference was an ability to test the goalkeeper with those attempts and converting on the limited scoring chances for each team. Only half of Roosevelt's attempts actually made it on goal, and most of them were fairly easy pickups for the Campbellsville goalie, while Eric Carvajal stopped four of the seven shots that reached him for the Lakers.

Campbellsville broke the deadlock in the 32^nd minute with a slick pass across the six-yard box then doubled the lead in the 59^th minute with a strong individual effort. Roosevelt was a bit unfortunate to allow the third goal when a long shot from outside the box deflected off Gabriel Koenig and past Carvajal in 81^st minute.

However, the Lakers continued to press to avoid the shutout and Sebastien Rodriguez exacted some revenge with his blast that ricocheted off a defender and into the side netting. The 87^th-minute tally was the result of an increase in offensive pressure that freed up Miguel Gomez down the right sideline. He was able to slip a pass back to Rodriguez, who hammered home his first goal of the year – with a little bit of help – from 16 yards out.

The chances on goal were few for Roosevelt, which was missing captain Alan Rubio for the game due to a red card in the previous match. The Lakers were able to build through the midfield, but the connection was missing at times in the final third. For the most part, the Lakers were able to stymie the Tigers in their attacking third as well, but those moments Campbellsville found openings often led to some dangerous opportunities.

Roosevelt opens its Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule on Sept. 16 at Judson with a 2:30 p.m. match in Elgin.