The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer team begins two GLVC games every weekend with a home contest against Truman State on Friday at 7:30, before traveling to Quincy on Sunday for a game at 2:30.
UIS (0-2-1, 0-0-1 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars wrapped up non-conference play last Thursday with a home opener against Parkside. UIS took an early lead in the 11th minute when Anton Aduwa-Emovon converted a long pass from Kevin Herrera. However, Parkside equalized just before halftime, with Valentin Sandoval scoring in the 45th minute. The Rangers started the second half quickly, taking the lead through a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. The Prairie Stars had a chance to tie the game back up less than two minutes later as Aduwa-Emovon was taken down in the box. He proceeded to step up for the penalty, but it was saved and the subsequent rebound hit the post. Momentum shifted back to Parkside and the Rangers took a 3-1 lead in the 62nd minute. Eduardo Aguilera-Guillen increased UWP's lead in the 72nd minute with a left footed strike into the top corner. The Rangers added one more goal and the game finished 5-1 in favor of Parkside. The Rangers and Prairie Stars both finished with 12 shots in the game, but Parkside held an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal.
UIS looked to get back on track in GLVC play against William Jewell on Sunday. The physical contest went into halftime at a 0-0 deadlock. UIS had a chance to open the scoring in the 57th minute after the Prairie Stars were awarded a penalty kick. Or Levinstein's penalty kick was saved, keeping the match scoreless. In the 68th minute, Kevin Herrera was issued a straight red card, leaving UIS with ten players for the rest of the match. Disaster struck in the 82nd minute when Alex Tomasella found the net through the crowd after a corner, giving William Jewell the lead. The Prairie Stars were able to equalize less than three minutes later when Joey Fitzgerald dashed into the box and passed to Anton Aduwa-Emovon, who proceeded to net his second goal in as many games. The game finished 1-1, leaving UIS still searching for their first win of the season. William Jewell outshot the Stars 13-8, with an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal.
Truman State (1-2, 0-1 GLVC)
The Bulldogs began conference play against last year's champions, Indianapolis, for their only game of the weekend.
UIndy attempted a fair amount of shots, but none troubled the Bulldog goal. A game that looked to be headed towards a goalless draw sprung into life as Alvaro Sanchez netted the winner on a shot from outside the box in the 82nd minute. TSU pushed for a late leveler but were unable to find it as the Greyhounds escaped with a 1-0 win in Kirksville. UIndy outshot Truman State 15-6, with a 4-1 edge in shots on goal.
UIS vs. Truman State History
UIS has a strong record against Truman State, holding a 9-2-1 advantage in their all-time series. In 2023, the Prairie Stars secured a 1-0 road victory, with Corne Boshoff scoring the only goal. UIS has won six of the last seven matchups, with Truman State's last win over the Stars occurring in 2015.
Quincy (1-2-1, 0-0-1 GLVC)
The Hawks finished non-conference play last Wednesday with a huge upset against No. 8 Purdue Northwest. The first half saw both teams create chances, but the biggest moment of the first half was when one of PNW's defenders was sent off in the 44th minute. Quincy saw their opportunity in the second half and took the lead in the 48th minute. A cross found the feet of Carter Venvertloh who slotted home the game's first goal. QU also saw one of their players sent off after Gavin Higgins was shown a second yellow card in the 56th minute which meant both teams would have to finish the game with 10 men. Quincy scored another goal in the 59th minute to make it 2-0 as Paal Vistnes rose highest to head home from a corner. The Pride wouldn't go down easily as they took shot after shot on QU's net. PNW was finally able to find the goal in the 84th minute, but it was too little too late as the Hawks were able to secure a ranked win at home. Purdue Northwest had huge advantages in both overall shots, 28-10, and shots on goal, 10-4.
Quincy welcomed another ranked team on Sunday to begin GLVC play, No. 24 Lewis. Lewis had the majority of the possession and chances throughout the first half, which paid dividends as they took the lead in the 25th minute. QU rallied from the deficit to equalize in the 48th minute. A long pass reached Mathias Bringedal, who evaded a Lewis defender and set up Leo Cann for a finish past the onrushing goalkeeper. Lewis continued their pressure, but was unable to find the winner as the game ended 1-1. LU also held the advantage in overall shots, 22-6, and shots on goal, 11-4.
UIS vs. Quincy History
The UIS-Quincy rivalry dates back to 1978, with UIS holding an all-time record of 11-23-2 against the Hawks. The Prairie Stars have won the last two matchups, including a victory in 2023 that featured a goal from Or Levinstein. Quincy's last win over UIS came during the spring 2021 season.