Box Score CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Parkland College men's soccer team fell behind early and faced an uphill battle against John Wood Community College on Saturday, October 8th as the Cobras fell short, 2-1, to the Blazers at home. Returning NJCAA Second Team All-American Eikichi Saito scored his first goal of the season in the first half while Parkland out shot John Wood 19-5 in the Cobras' first home loss since September 3rd.
 
After the game, head coach Mark Sikora was frustrated with the result, saying, "(It's a) classic case of being dominant and not getting the result. We had two lapses of judgement in the first half and paid for it the rest of the match. It became extremely difficult to score once they packed the defensive third."
 
"Great work today from Jack Winter and Eikichi Saito who kept us in the match and gave us a chance to win," Sikora continued. "We just couldn't capitalize on the chances that we did create."
 
The Blazers (8-4) scored in the 4th minute to take an early lead, but the Cobras (6-7-2) quickly responded in the 17th when Eikichi Saito was assisted by Nathan Torres to tie it up. John Wood pulled ahead for good, however, on another breakaway goal in the 26th minute and the Blazers packed in the defense to hold the Cobras scoreless the rest of the way. Parkland recorded a season-high 19 shots but couldn't not convert enough to prevent the 2-1 loss.
 
Scoring Summary:
John Wood Goal: 4th minute
Parkland Goal: Eikichi Saito, 17' (Assisted by Nathan Torres)
John Wood Goal: 26th minute
 
Up next, Parkland will host Division I Lincoln Trail College at the Parkland College Soccer Field on Wednesday, October 12th. Kickoff against the Statesmen (6-5-1) is scheduled for 2:00 PM.