The UIS men's soccer team resumes its conference schedule this weekend, aiming to get back in the win column after a challenging home stand. The Prairie Stars will face No. 8 McKendree on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and Maryville on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Illinois Springfield (4-4-3, 4-2-3 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars head into the weekend in fifth place in the GLVC after finishing last weekend with a record of 0-1-1. On Friday night, UIS faced UMSL in a tightly contested match. The first half ended without a score, but the Tritons took the lead in the 47th minute when Linus Saewe capitalized on a defensive error. The Stars created many chances but were unable to find the back of the net. Or Levinstein made a late impact, scoring the equalizing goal with just thirty-six seconds remaining on the clock. The goal originated from a well-delivered cross by Joey Fitzgerald, whose header aimed toward the net was not secured by the UMSL goalkeeper. UIS outshot UMSL by a margin of 7-6, with both teams recording three shots on target.
Sunday's match marked the inaugural meeting between UIS and Lincoln, featuring a contest that was characterized by disruptions due to numerous fouls, injuries, and substitutions. Both teams generated several half-chances; however, clear goal-scoring opportunities remained elusive. The second half continued in a similar manner, with neither side managing to establish a consistent rhythm. The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Eugeni Yague skillfully turned and fired into the corner, giving Lincoln a 1-0 advantage. UIS struggled to respond, and the Blue Tigers ultimately secured a 1-0 victory. Lincoln outshot UIS 14-8, holding an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Joey Fitzgerald leads UIS in goals (3), assists (7), and points (13). Anton Aduwa-Emovon has also scored three goals this season while Corne Boshoff and Or Levinstein have found the back of the net twice. Boshoff also has two assists this season. Joe Brudnak has started seven games this season while Edoardo Pinna has started the other four. Brudnak has allowed 6 goals while Pinna has allowed 10.
No. 8 McKendree (8-0-4, 5-0-4 GLVC)
The Bearcats remain unbeaten this season, currently positioned in second place in the GLVC standings, six points behind the leaders due to two draws at home. On Friday night, McKendree faced Maryville in a match that concluded with an uneventful 0-0 draw. Notably, McKendree's defense achieved its eighth shutout of the season. Despite the stalemate, Maryville outshot McKendree 12-2, with a commanding 4-0 advantage in shots on goal.
Sunday's contest featured a challenging matchup against UMSL, which took an early lead in the 17th minute amid a flurry of activity within the Bearcats' box. Following this setback, McKendree adopted a more aggressive approach, generating opportunities in the UMSL half. In the 43rd minute, McKendree was awarded a penalty kick due to a foul in the box. Philipp Schmidt approached the spot and had his initial attempt saved, but he reacted quickly to head home the rebound, equalizing the match. Both defenses proved resilient in the second half, resulting in a final score of 1-1. UMSL recorded an 8-6 advantage in total shots, while McKendree managed to register more attempts on goal, leading 4-2.
Philipp Schmidt leads the team with five goals on the season. Matthaeus Hirschmann has scored three goals. Matteo Schubert leads the Bearcats with four assists, while Schmidt and Hirschmann have dished out 3 assists apiece. Christian Herluf has started all twelve games for McKendree in net, allowing just 5 goals.
UIS vs. McKendree History
The Prairie Stars and Bearcats share a longstanding rivalry, with their first encounter occurring in 1977. Historically, UIS boasts a record of 35-15-5 against McKendree. Last season, the teams faced each other twice; they played to a scoreless draw during the regular season, while UIS secured a 1-0 victory in the GLVC Tournament semifinals. This win marked UIS's first triumph over McKendree since the 2018 regular season. The last time McKendree defeated UIS was in 2021, when they claimed a 1-0 victory in Lebanon.
Maryville (6-4-2, 5-2-1 GLVC)
The Saints found their rhythm midseason, winning four of their last five matches following a slow start. Currently, Maryville sits in fourth place in the GLVC standings. As previously mentioned, Friday night's contest against McKendree was characterized by limited scoring opportunities, resulting in a scoreless draw. Although Maryville adopted a more attacking approach, they were unable to capitalize on their chances and find the back of the net.
On Sunday, the Saints traveled to Kenosha to face Wisconsin Parkside in a non-conference matchup, marking a rematch of their encounter in the NCAA Tournament the previous year. Maryville's defense showcased its excellence by effectively neutralizing the Rangers' attack throughout the match. The scoreless contest was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Omar Cillic delivered a perfectly weighted through pass to Yayo Mutombo. Mutombo rounded the goalkeeper and finished into an open net, securing his first goal of the season. The Saints' defense remained resolute, enabling them to claim a significant road victory. Maryville outshot Parkside 13-10, with a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal.
Bryce Glisson and Mason Crew are the top scorers, with both players having netted three goals apiece. Six other Saints have chipped in with one goal so far this season. Glisson along with Jimmy Doherty lead Maryville with two assists on the year. Three different goalkeepers have seen action so far this season. Steen Nielsen has started the last four contests, only allowing 1 goal.
UIS vs. Maryville History
This matchup will mark the first meeting between the two schools since head coach Adam Hall transitioned from UIS to Maryville in the spring. The Prairie Stars maintain an 11-7-3 historical record against Maryville. In last year's encounter, UIS secured a 1-0 victory, with current UIS assistant coach Joe Conway scoring the decisive goal against the nationally ranked Saints. However, Maryville triumphed over UIS twice in 2022, winning 4-0 in the GLVC Tournament semifinal and 4-1 during the regular season.