EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — A single first-half goal was enough for Cleary (Mich.) on Monday, as the visitors held on for a 1-0 win over IU Northwest men's soccer despite the RedHawks finishing with an even share of the shots.
Cleary broke through in the 31st minute when Oscar Clarke scored the first goal of his collegiate career, finishing off a Callum Johnson assist to give the visitors a 1-0 lead they would carry into the half. IU Northwest had chances of its own in the opening 45 minutes, with Alan Nunez and Eric Lopez both testing Cleary goalkeeper Felix Robert, but neither side could add to the scoring the rest of the way.
The RedHawks came out with intent in the second half, peppering Robert with shots in the opening minutes as Eric Lopez and Nunez each had quality looks turned away within the first 90 seconds of the restart. IU Northwest continued to push, with Chase Beals firing multiple attempts on frame and Erick Gonzalez getting a header on target late, but Robert stood firm, finishing with four saves to preserve the shutout.
Carter Levesque kept the RedHawks within reach throughout, making three saves, including a stop on an Oscar Clarke chance in the 72nd minute. IU Northwest out-shot Cleary in the second half and generated five corner kicks on the afternoon, but couldn't find the equalizer as the narrow margin held to the final whistle.
IU Northwest is back on the road Saturday, Sept. 26, to face the University of St. Francis (Ill.). KIckoff is set for 3:30 pm CDT.
