DEERFIELD, Ill. - Trinity International fell behind after a big second quarter from the 9th-ranked Robert Morris Eagles, and were unable to recover in a 41-12 defeat at Leslie Frazier Field on Saturday.

Box Score | Season Stats

The Trinity defense looked strong early in the game, keeping the Eagles out of the end zone on the opening drive as the visitors settled for a 26-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. A rushed punt gave RMU possession at midfield on their next drive, where they nearly were stopped on a fourth and goal run. A penalty called on the Trojans kept the drive alive however, and with a 1-yard TD run on the next play, Robert Morris added to their lead, 10-0.

A three-and-out by the TIU offense gave the defensive unit a short time to recover, but the Trojans again held strong. A 29-yard field goal for Robert Morris was the result, increasing the lead but keeping Trinity to within a pair of scores with over ten minutes still to play in the second quarter.

The Eagles got a break on the next play, when a fumble on the kickoff gave RMU the ball back at the TIU 20-yardline. Four plays later, a nine-yard touchdown pass was the third score of the quarter, and RMU took a 20-point advantage.

Robert Morris would extend their lead in the second half, but Trinity would answer in their final pair of drives to cut into the deficit. On fourth-and-7, Danny Mattero would find wideout Cory Windle for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 10:39 to play. After a missed field goal attempt from the Eagles, Trinity would use a 13-play drive for a total of 93 yards, their longest of the season, resulting in a five-yard Chris Elliott TD.

Elliott finished with a team-high 32 yards on 10 carries, as three different Trojans recorded 25 or more rushing yards on the day. Dillon Turk was the team's top receiver, making five catches for a total of 62 yards, while Brad Hargis recorded 67 yards on three receptions. Mattero, who came into the game in the fourth quarter, went 4-for-4 with 76 yards and a touchdown. 

Defensively, Riley Schussler led Trinity with 17 total tackles on the day. Ardel Christian recorded the team's lone sack, and finished with six tackles overall.

The Trojans will now hit the road for the next three weeks, beginning with a trip to No. 14 St. Xavier. Kickoff against the Cougars is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.