CHICAGO – Albert Arabik scored a dramatic equalizer in the 78th minute, but visiting Judson reclaimed the lead just two minutes later on Luis Germano's second goal of the match and left Kroc Stadium with a 2-1 decision over the Lakers on a chilly Saturday.
Roosevelt saluted seniors Oscar Gaytan, Hector Luna, Ronan Perennes, Konrad Puchalski and Jesus Velasco prior to the match and proceeded to play a spirited contest against a Judson side that entered the day with the exact same CCAC record as the Lakers.
Velasco came up with big saves early for the Lakers (6-8-1, 5-3-1 CCAC), as the Eagles (9-4-3, 6-2-1 CCAC) had early chances to take the lead that were snuffed out by the keeper they call Chuy.
The Lakers had their chances, with a couple of looks that just missed the mark.
Injuries started to take their toll on the Lakers, with various players needing to come off due to maladies suffered in game.
Judson eventually broke through in the 66th minute, when Germano gathered a ball from Matheus Montes and knocked in past Velasco.
The Lakers played with urgency to level, and level they did in the 78th minute when Ricardo Estrada quickly lifted a long pass up the left side to Matthew Schaeffer, who directed the ball toward the middle. That action allowed Arabik an opportunity to get a look he quickly converted past Ricardo Porcayo to bring the match back to a deadlock and spark the crowd and the Roosevelt bench.
That draw didn't last long, as Nikola Mihalopoulos sent a ball to Germano in the 80th minute for a hard-hitting shot that found the top right corner of goal and put the Eagles back in front.
Roosevelt ran out of time to get another equalizing opportunity.
The Lakers take on Saint Xavier on the Cougars' pitch this Tuesday evening.
Seniors Jesus Velasco (from left), Oscar Gaytan, Hector Luna, Ronan Perennes and Konrad Puchalski. (Photo: Rudi Ayasse)
