Box Score PALATINE, Ill. – David Bahena (/Elk Grove) scored a goal in the 64th minute to lift the Harper College men's soccer team to a 1-0 season-opening victory over College of DuPage on Friday afternoon.
Bahena's goal broke a scoreless tie as he took a perfect pass from Sergio Hernandez (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) and lofted the ball over DuPage goalkeeper Paulino Mansera's head and into the back of the net.
The two teams played a scoreless first half as Mansera and Harper goalkeeper Irvin Velazquez (/Hersey) made some impressive saves. The Hawks (1-0) managed two shots on goal in the first half but turned up the pressure with six second half shots on goal. Matt Shadel (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg) and Aldo Figueroa (Wheeling, Ill./Buffalo Grove) led the Hawks with two shots on goal apiece.
The Chapparals tried to mount a late surge to tie the game, but the Hawks' defense held strong to preserve the win. Velazquez earned the victory in goal with eight saves. The win was Harper first-year head coach Dan Klaus' first win on the college level.
The Hawks are back in action on Wednesday, September 3 as they open conference play against Milwaukee Area Technical College at home at 4 PM.
