CHICAGO, Ill. (Aug. 21, 2025) — The Chicago State men's soccer team opened its 2025 campaign at home against Lindenwood, with several Cougars making their collegiate debut in a 7-0 setback at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep.
Freshmen
Karma Bhagentsang,
Bryan Pena,
Aaron Zhao,
Jayden Quezada and
Alex Alamillo all saw their first minutes in green and navy. Bhagentsang started and logged 67 minutes with one shot on goal, while Pena contributed 28 minutes off the bench. Zhao started in midfield and played for 62 minutes, and both Quezada and Alamillo anchored the back line for the full 90.
Chicago State kept the match within reach for more than an hour behind a strong effort from goalkeeper
Bryant Garcia Santiago, who made six saves. Bhagentsang and defender
Zephyn Brockert-Kress each forced Lindenwood keeper Quinn Closson into action, while the Cougars held nearly 60% of first-half possession and earned a late corner to generate attacking pressure.
Lindenwood broke through behind senior forward Ethan Blake, who scored in the 13th minute and added another goal in the 52nd before assisting Sebastia Cerda Tous. The Lions pulled away with four more goals in the final 20 minutes, including two from midfielder Gavin Csiszar. Lindenwood finished with 22 shots, 13 on goal, while Closson posted a three-save shutout.
The Lions improved to 1-0-0, while Chicago State fell to 0-1-0 but showed encouraging moments with several first-years making an impact. The Cougars continue nonconference play on Sunday, August 24
th as they host the University of St. Thomas. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m. at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep.
