FORT WAYNE, Ind. – It was a monumental day in the world of Fort Wayne soccer as the #6 ranked Indiana Tech men's soccer team looked to defend the Fort from cross-town rivals, the University of Saint Francis. The two teams would participate in the inaugural PSMxONE Soccer Series at Ruoff Mortgage Stadium, home of USL 1 professional side Fort Wayne Football Club, on day one of a series meant to showcase collegiate and high school soccer in the city of Fort Wayne.
Last year, the Indiana Tech vs Saint Francis rivalry was renewed after six years without it. Tech would take the contest 2-0 at home in 2025 to extend the winning streak to four in a row dating back to 2017. Tonight the Warriors made it five straight wins against the Cougars with a thrilling 1-0 victory.
Tech had two golden opportunities to score in the first half as they had control most of the way. Midway through the half,
Filip Maksimovic found himself alone in the box and after making a defender miss but put the shot just inches wide. Moments later,
Robin Vezinhet would hit the post, but the bounce wouldn't go the Warriors' way as the game stayed tied at zero going into halftime. Tech would hold an 8-0 shot advantage through the first 45 minutes of action as they dominated on both sides of the ball. The Orange & Black kept the pressure on in the second half, recording double the amount of shots as their opponent. The breakthrough came in the 67
th minute of the game when
Zak El Hannach sent a perfect cross into the box that was headed home by Maksimovic to give the Warriors the lead. Tech continued to control possession for most of the game as the clock was winding down. A good defensive play by
Fernando Cuevas helped deny Saint Francis a chance to score in the final 30 seconds as the Warriors would walk away victorious with the shutout victory.
Marvin Kopp earned the win in goal for the Warriors in his debut match for The Orange & Black.
Tech improves to 2-1 now on the season and will head to Columbia, Kentucky on Monday, August 31
st for a ranked matchup with #18 Lindsey Wilson at 5pm (CT)/6pm (ET).
- TECH -
