CHICAGO – A first-half header goal by Michael Johnson led the University of Chicago men's soccer team to a 1-0 home victory against Carthage College on Wednesday night.

The No. 20-ranked Maroons improved to 7-3-1 while the Firebirds fell to 6-4-2.

UChicago controlled possession for the entire first half as Carthage sat back in its defense. Even on loose balls, the Maroons consistently won them back and moved forward. The breakthrough occurred in the 29th minute. Fifth-year senior Ben Brandt struck a long ball from 44 yards out towards junior Richard Gillespie on the end line. Gillespie headed the ball back in front to Johnson, who scored a running header off the bounce.

The Maroons looked to expand their advantage in the second half when a foul in the box gave UChicago a penalty kick opportunity at the 56:26 mark. But the attempt was saved by Carthage's goalkeeper.

Then in the 82nd minute, a blocked Maroon shot rebounded into space, but the follow-up shot on the open net was cleared out by a well-positioned defender.

Carthage pressed for the equalizer over the final 15 minutes, making multiple runs at goal. But the Maroons held fast and didn't give up any looks. A last-second corner kick was foiled, and the home side recorded its fifth shutout of the season.

UChicago outshot Carthage 13-1 on the night to go with a 4-2 corner kick edge on the Stagg Field turf. Senior goalkeeper Calvin Walters made one save in a shutout effort to run his record to 5-3-1.

NEXT GAME:

• Saturday, Oct. 9 @ 1:30 PM – University of Rochester at UChicago