ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A composed effort from Roosevelt in the second half navigated the Lakers to their first NCAA Division II victory on Thursday night at Morris Field.

Roosevelt's 2-1 win over Thomas More was filled with tense moments for both sides as both teams had an early chance go awry. The Saints found themselves alone 10 yards out from goal, but Eric Carvajal was able to make the save and keep the game tied just two minutes into the game. In the 11^th minute, Haris Sarajlija was just a bit wide with his attempt from close range after an excellent pass from Nick Killian.



The Lakers (1-0-1) eventually conceded in the 27^th minute and entered halftime down a goal. However, the deficit couldn't even survive five minutes in the second half as Oskar Schuster pounced on a loose ball to tie the game less than four minutes into the half. Then less than a minute after re-entering the match later in the second half, Schuster got on the end of a pass from Valdemar Nambo and flicked the ball over the goalkeeper for the winning score.

The hosts dominated in shot attempts 13-6, landing four of those shots on the goal frame. The Saints put half of their shots on Carvajal, who added a save off a Thomas More corner kick for his two stops on the evening.

BRACE FOR SCHUSTER: If Oskar Schuster scores for the Lakers, chances are his night isn't over yet. The junior from Germany has now scored multiple goals in a game five times during his Roosevelt career, outpacing the three games in which he has scored just one goal.

PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Schuster's second goal was a masterpiece in will power and concentration for the forward. Valdemar Nambo played the ball over the top of the Thomas More defense from midfield, hitting Schuster in stride as he sprinted past the Saints defenders. As Schuster controlled the ball, he was slightly knocked off balance by the defender chasing him, and Schuster had to contend with a hard-charging goalie. Yet the German kept his composure and stayed on his feet long enough to chip the ball over the goalie for the eventual game-winner.

COMEBACK KINGS: For the second consecutive game, Roosevelt overcame a 1-0 deficit to take a 2-1 lead in the match. In coach Paddy Hoepp's first two seasons in charge of the Lakers, the team came back to win or tie after conceding first just twice. After Thursday's win, Roosevelt is now 3-12-1 after allowing the first goal under Hoepp.

UP NEXT: The Lakers remain at home Saturday night for a primetime matchup against crosstown rival Saint Xavier at 7 p.m. at Morris Field. Roosevelt has won eight of the 13 total meetings between the school, but had its four-game winning streak against the Cougars snapped last season.