DC drops last game of Purple and Gold Classic

DEFIANCE, Ohio – A late goal for Illinois Tech was the difference as DC fell 2-1 in the last game of the Purple and Gold Classic.

Illinois Tech (1-0-1) got things started early with a goal just four minutes into the game.  A cross into the box failed to get cleared by the DC (0-1-1) defense and eventually found the back of the net to give Tech the early 1-0 lead.

Damian Koester (Englewood, Ohio / Brookville) and his defense then tightened up.  They kept the Yellow Jackets in the game until the end.

After the early goal, Koester was able to stop the next three balls of the half that found their way online to the net.

Brian Kurtz (Sandusky, Ohio / Perkins) was able to put a little pressure on the Tech defense, firing a shot 27 minutes into the game.  It sailed a little high though and the score would remain 1-0 at the half.

The second half brought more saves from Koester and the equalizer from Michael O'Brien (Northville, Mich. / Northville).  20 minutes into the second half, O'Brien prepared himself for a free kick at midfield.  With the wind at his back he let go of a kick that was toward goal.  A bounce in front of the goalkeeper was placed nice enough to bounce over his head with the aid from the wind.

With O'Brien's goal, DC tied the score up at one goal apiece with 25 minutes left to play.

Neither team could break through as the defenses both stayed strong over the next 20 minutes.

With just over five minutes to go, Tech was fouled deep in DC's territory and was awarded a free kick.  A ball passed into the box was put away by Tyler Haag to give Tech the 2-1 advantage.

The Yellow Jackets were unable to recover.  The final score stood at 2-1 in favor of the road team.

Koester ended the game with seven saves and O'Brien added two shots on goal to lead Defiance.

DC will travel to Centre College to take part in the Centre Classic next weekend.  The Yellow Jackets first play against Centre on September 5 with a start time of 7:30 pm.