Jimmy Cirbo and
Taelin Stanfield netted the first goals of their careers in a 3-1 result over Beloit College.
Cirbo had the first shot of the game, missing to the left of the net in the seventh minute of play. Three minutes later,
Nathan Kostovetsky had a chance that the Beloit goalkeeper denied. As the Foresters continued to hold on to possession,
Ollie Francis and
Kristian Kopacz both fired shots on goal, but could not find a breakthrough.
In the 27th minute, Cirbo found the net for the first time, finishing off a move that originated on the right flank through
Rocky Rabago and
Kotaro Koumi. Lake Forest continued to press but could not gain another dangerous chance in the remainder of the first half.
Coming out of the break, the Buccaneers changed the flow of the game, dominating possession early on. Beloit looked for opportunities in the box, and after a foul by Lake Forest led to a penalty for the Buccaneers, the visitors equalized from the spot.
As Beloit picked up momentum, Lake Forest battled back through the wide areas of the pitch to gain offensive chances. Then, in the 61st minute, Rabago lifted a free kick over the Beloit defensive line that bounced in the box.
Taelin Stanfield met the ball at the back post, nodding home a second goal for the Foresters to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. Fifteen minutes later, Cirbo got his second of the game, beating his defender on the left wing before curling a shot from the edge of the box into the top right corner.
The game was physical throughout, as the two teams combined for six yellow cards, including a second yellow card for a Forester that saw the team play the final five minutes down a man.
Conor Leuschke made two late saves, preserving the Lake Forest lead as the final whistle blew.
The Foresters play their final nonconference game of the season on Monday, hosting Gustavus Adolphus College. Kickoff at Farwell Field is set for 4 p.m.
