FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The IUPUI men's soccer team collected a huge Summit League result on Sunday (Oct. 18), picking off in-state rival Fort Wayne by a 3-0 score at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. The win kept the Jaguars undefeated at the midpoint of league play at 1-0-2. Fort Wayne-native Nick Anderson netted the game-winner in the 27th minute and sophomore Uriel Macias added a goal and an assist in the win. Senior Clint Hoffar also tallied his team-high fifth score of the year in the victory while classmate Eduardo Cortes was brilliant in net, collecting his 11th career shutout.

"I think that when we're healthy we're a different team," Head Coach Isang Jacob said. "It was good to see Emmanuel (Emmanuel Usen) and Uriel (Macias) back together. This is the first game they've been back together as two forwards." 

Fort Wayne looked to be the aggressor early on as the Mastodons controlled possession much of the first 15 minutes. IUPUI found it's stride soon after, firing a pair of shots and keeping the Fort Wayne defense on its heels.

The first strike of the game came off a corner kick opportunity in the 27th minute. Sophomore Joshua Ayala struck a corner kick that looked like it would clear everyone. Anderson climbed the ladder for the header from about 10 yards out, even with the back post, and dropped it in over the 6'7" keeper from Fort Wayne. Anderson's goal was the lone score of the first half. 

With the 1-0 goal support, Cortes corralled a pair of IPFW shots early in the second half to help the Jags hang onto the lead.

A counter attack in the 68th minute led to a give-and-go between Hoffar and Macias. The sophomore got his first assist of the season as he received a pass and played an incredible ball well out in front of a sprinting Hoffar. The pass drew out the Fort Wayne keeper who was out of position when Hoffar reached the ball first, striking it home with ease from outside the 18 for his fifth of the season. 

IUPUI stayed aggressive with a 2-0 lead late in the game. In the 81st minute, Macias pressured a Fort Wayne defender in the IPFW defensive third. After stealing possession on the sideline, about 15 yards from the end line, Macias struck a tricky, chip-curve hybrid shot that beat the out-of-position keeper for his first goal of the year.

"It was my first of the year so it felt good," Macias said. "I pressured him and he coughed it up. He gave it right to me and the goalie came out to pressure, but I just lobbed it over and it went in."  

IUPUI would hold onto the 3-0 lead and cruise to their first victory of the season. Not showing up on the scoring line was Usen, who attempted four shots (three on frame) and caused problems for the Fort Wayne defense all afternoon. Freshman defender Ben Thornton was a force as well. The Linden, Mich. native had a pair of headed attempts at goal on big throw ins from Hoffar. Thornton shadowed every Fort Wayne attack, forcing the 'Dons to take deep attempts that were no match for Cortes.

Cortes was spectacular in goal again as the Dallas, Texas native recorded six saves and notched his first shutout of the season (11th career). His season total rises to 83, still second in the NCAA. 

"Eduardo has kept us in games," Coach Jacob said. "To see him get a shutout is awesome. He's been that player that we've had to rely on and he's done a great job." 

Now 1-7-5 (1-0-2), the Jags have five points in Summit League play and are currently fourth in the league table. IUPUI has given up only two goals in three Summit League games. 

The Jags will have a week off before traveling to Eastern Illinois next Sunday (Oct. 25) for a 1 p.m. match. EIU is currently 2-9 overall and 0-3 in Summit League play.