The College of DuPage football team fell 20-17 to Division 1 Monroe University on Saturday, Sept. 20, in New Rochelle, N.Y.

The Chaps trailed 10-0 late in the first half before quarterback Askia Bullie connected with Ty Carlson for a 30-yard gain to set up a 48-yard field goal from Danny Duray as time expired. Duray has been perfect from 40-plus yards the past two weeks. 

After Monroe extended its lead to 17-3, COD answered with a 12-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Justin Bland to Carlson late in the third quarter. 

On the ensuing Monroe possession, COD's defense forced a three-and-out. On fourth down, Daveon Madison blocked a punt, his fourth of the season, which Dexter Stigall returned for a touchdown to tie the game. 

The Mustangs regained the lead with a field goal with just over two minutes remaining and held on to hand the No. 1 ranked Chaps their first loss of the season. 

Bland finished with 140 passing yards, while Carlson (6 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD) and Daion Gaston (six catches, 67 yards) led the receiving corps. Gaston also added a 65-yard kickoff return. 

Defensively, Cy Charles and Cole Hamilton each tallied 8 tackles. Hamilton, Dontay Fort, and Jamari Jefferson each recorded tackles for loss. 

COD will use its bye week to regroup before hosting LEAD Prep on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bob MacDougall Field.