ELMHURST, IL - The Elmhurst University men's soccer team fell 3-1 on the road at North Central College on Saturday afternoon at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Bluejays battled back from an early two-goal deficit but couldn't complete the comeback in the CCIW matchup.

North Central (6-1-5, 2-0-1 CCIW) took a 2-0 lead midway through the first half with goals in the eighth and 27th minutes. Elmhurst (4-8-2, 1-3-0 CCIW) responded well after the second goal, generating a steady offensive rhythm and capitalizing late in the half.

In the 42nd minute, freshman Charlie Terriquez found the back of the net to cut the deficit in half, finishing a setup from fellow freshman Klaus Gartner. The goal was Terriquez's second of the season and marked Gartner's team-leading third assist.

The Bluejays continued to press early in the second half, with shots from Max Aquino, Marthin Bobadilla, and Isaac Puchalla forcing North Central's goalkeeper into action. However, the Cardinals added an insurance goal in the 55th minute to push the margin to 3-1, and Elmhurst was unable to convert on several late chances.

Elmhurst finished with 10 total shots, including three on target, and earned three first-half corner kicks. Aquino led the way with two shots, while Puchalla, Gartner, and Terriquez each recorded one on goal.

Defensively, the Bluejays' back line absorbed sustained pressure throughout the match, and goalkeeper Niyen Ruffin played all 90 minutes in net.

The Bluejays will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they continue CCIW play at home against Carroll University.