Kurfirst's Goal Propels Men's Soccer Past Whitewater

CHICAGO -- Freshman forward Kyle Kurfirst (Western Springs, Ill./ Lyons Township) scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute (pictured above) as the University of Chicago defeated the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 1-0 in non-conference men's soccer action Sunday at Stagg Field.

Senior midfielder Alan Pikna (Wauwatosa, Wis./ Wauwatosa West) recorded the assist on Kurfirst's goal, his second of the year.

Chicago held the Warhawks to two shots on goal, as freshman netminder Elek Lane (Eau Claire, Wis./ Memorial) needed to make only one save to record the shutout.

Team Records

With its second straight win, Chicago raised its record above the .500 mark at 7-6-1. Wisconsin-Whitewater slipped to 10-7, losing for only the second time in its last six contests. The Warhawks entered the game as the sixth-ranked team in the NSCAA North Region.

Beyond the Box Score

The 1-0 win ended the Maroons' five-game losing streak in games decided by one goal. Chicago improved to 4-6 in one-goal affairs on the season.

Sunday's match was the Maroons' final non-conference tilt of the season. Chicago finished the year 7-2-2 in non-league play.

Chicago improved to 3-1-1 at Stagg Field.

With Sunday's win, the Maroons snapped a four-game series losing streak and took an 8-7-1 all-time lead in the rivalry.

Both of Kurfirst's goals this season have been game-winners.

With his assist, Pikna has registered a point in three of his last four games.

Lane's shutout was his fifth of the campaign.

Prior to the start of the match, former All-American Pat Barry participated in the captains coin toss. Friday night, Barry (1999-2001) became the first UChicago men's soccer player inducted into the University's Athletics Hall of Fame.

Up Next

Chicago returns to University Athletic Association play Friday afternoon when it entertains Case Western Reserve University at 3 p.m. Friday's game marks the start of a three-game season-ending UAA homestand.