The Joliet Junior College men's soccer team pulled off a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over South Suburban College Friday afternoon, improving to 8-5-3 on the season.
Both teams battled back and forth throughout the first half until Linus Asenkerschbaum broke through in the 43rd minute, striking into the corner of the net off an assist from Sean Thompson, giving JJC a 1-0 lead. Before halftime the Wolves' defense came up big late in the half when Adrian Maldonado made a crucial stop after the keeper came off his line to defend an open chance for South Suburban.
But after halftime South Suburban responded, netting goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes (penalty) to take a 2-1 lead.
JJC refused to back down. Richard Tetteh found the net in the 73rd minute on a cross from Sean Thompson, keeping the Wolves alive. The match grew heated as both teams pushed for the win including a moment in the 82nd minute when AJ Romero appeared to be fouled on a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, sparking strong reactions from the crowd.
Moments later, Romero got his redemption, scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to secure the 3-2 win for the Wolves. Goalkeeper Dario Mota made clutch saves in the closing minutes, including key stops at the 84th and 85th minutes, to preserve the victory.
After the match, head coach Cris Trillo praised his team's grit and resilience.
"We weren't as intense as we normally play, we were a little fatigued after the rescheduling of the game," Trillo said. "But for us to bounce back from being down 2-1, that's a positive thing and something that can help us heading into the playoffs."
The Wolves will now head into the regional tournament beginning Wednesday where they look to continue their success and carry their momentum into postseason play.
