Lakers Fall To Cougars For First CCAC Loss Of Season

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Roosevelt dropped its first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference match of the season with a 1-0 setback to crosstown rival Saint Xavier on Tuesday night at Morris Field.

The Lakers (3-4-1, 2-1-0 CCAC) created more chances for themselves, but they could not finish any of those opportunities. Several dangerous crosses sailed through the penalty area without a Roosevelt player able to get a cleat on it, and several other chances were stopped along the wings. The Lakers still held a 10-4 advantage in shot attempts over the 90 minutes, but just four of those actually reached the goal.

Saint Xavier was able to disrupt Roosevelt early with some high pressure, but the Lakers kept their cool and were able to slowly work their way out of danger. The Cougars' only shot attempt in the first half was a backdoor header that went two feet wide of the far post. But they made their first shot on goal count as the Cougars took advantage for a tap-in goal in the 58^th minute.

Roosevelt tried to mount a comeback in the final 32 minutes, but it rarely tested the Cougars backline with a serious scoring threat. The exception came in the 83^rd minute when Sebastian Rodriguez won a free kick in a dangerous area about 24 yards from goal. The junior from Gurnee whipped in a shot that was headed toward the top corner, forcing a diving stop from the Cougars keeper.

The Lakers will try to resume their winning ways Saturday afternoon in Palos Heights with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff against Trinity Christian.