PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – A pair of goals from sophomore Ivan Perez was the difference on Tuesday, as Trinity Men's Soccer picked up their first victory of the early season, 2-1 over Taylor (Ind.) at the Schaaf Athletic Complex.

The scoring got underway just after the whistle, as Perez found the back of the net just 79 seconds into play to give the Trolls (1-0-1) the early lead. The Trojans (0-1) would answer later in the first half, scoring the equalizer in the 26th minute.

As both teams battled the high temperatures throughout the late afternoon, the Trolls finally broke through on a free kick in the 69th minute, following a red card that put Taylor down to ten men. Perez would score off the rebound to put Trinity back in front, and the Trolls would hold off the visitors down the stretch to secure the win.

Goalkeeper Giorgos Christodoulou picked up his first win of the year, making three saves on the day.

The Trolls will look to keep their early unbeaten record intact on Saturday, when they host Northwestern (Iowa) at Schaaf. Kickoff with the Red Raiders is set for noon.