PALATINE, IL-  The Harper College men's soccer team played host to Triton College in the Hawks' first home match of the year.  In a match that had two coach ejections, 11 yellow cards, and controversial refereeing, Harper came out on top with a 1-0 victory.

The 2017 Region Champion Trojans were in charge for most of the first half, totaling 6 shots but only putting one on target.  Within the first 15 minutes, the Trojan head coach received two yellow cards and was ejected for the match.  At the end of the first 45 minutes, the score was tied 0-0.

Controversy began in the 63' when Anthony Montesinos (Rolling Meadows) was given a yellow card.  By NJCAA rule, whenever there is a yellow card, the player who received the card must be substituted out.  However, the referee did not allow the Hawks a substitution and on the ensuing free kick, Triton scored.  After the goal, the Harper coaching staff approached the referee about the lack of substitution which led to the assistant coach being ejected.  The referees then conferred about the situation and overturned the call, wiping away Triton's goal and leaving the score tied at 0.

The Hawks took advantage and received a free kick in the 82'.  After a goal misplay, Jose Garcia-Lopez (Wheeling) tapped the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.  Triton continued to press on for the remainder of the match and hit the crossbar with just three minutes remaining.  The Harper defense stood strong to finish off the 1-0 victory.  Kevin Sieb (Huntley) notched the shutout in goal for the Hawks.

With the victory, Harper moves to 2-0-1 overall and 1-0 in the N4C.  Another conference matchup is next as the Hawks travel to Glen Ellyn to face the College of DuPage Chaparrals.  Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm.