ELMHURST, Ill. (Oct. 12, 2024) - The North Central College men's soccer team shut out Elmhurst University 1-0, while freshman goalkeeper Daniel Szalai recorded his first collegiate start and first win.
 
Elmhurst attacked the Cardinal net early. In the second minute of the game, Lucas Brady sent a shot to the top center of the net, but North Central's goalkeeper Szalai was able to stop the ball. The only other shot that made its way to the net was from Elmhurst's Caden Sultzbaugh. Once again, Szalai controlled the ball before it hit the back of the net. While the Cardinals recorded shots, they were blocked by traffic or off-target. The first half ended at a 0-0 stalemate.
 
Determined to get the game's first goal, the Cardinals entered the second half with momentum. Just seven minutes into the half, Will Mayer sent a pass to Aiden Maloney. Maloney found open space and capitalized, sending the ball into the back of the net.
 
With the defenses working hard, the shots on goal continued to be limited. In the 60th minute, Joris Rijnja sent a strike to the Bluejays net, but Niyen Ruffin kept it out. Elmhurst made one final push in the final minute, with Sultzbaugh firing the ball to the net, but Szalai made another stop and earned his first career win.
 
North Central outshot Elmhurst 13 to 11 with two shots on goal, while Elmhurst recorded three. Szalai led the Cardinal defense, recording three saves on the night.
 
North Central will be back at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. to take on Millikin University in Naperville, Ill.
 
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