The Illinois Springfield men's soccer team secured a solid 3-1 victory against Upper Iowa at Kiwanis Stadium on Senior Night. With this win, UIS improved its record to 5-6-5 overall and 5-3-5 in GLVC play, while Upper Iowa fell to 1-11-4 overall and 1-9-3 in the conference.
"Overall, the team put in a solid performance tonight," said Coach Graham Shaw. "We started strong with two early goals, which helped us feel more comfortable for most of the match. Upper Iowa had a strong push in the second half, but we regained control and secured a 3-1 victory."
Game Summary
- The match started brightly for UIS, with Anton Aduwa-Emovon opening the scoring just four minutes into the game, assisted by Kevin Herrera
- The early goal set the tone for the Prairie Stars, who maintained pressure on Upper Iowa's defense
- Just two minutes later, UIS was awarded a penalty kick, which Herrera converted to double the lead
- UIS continued to dominate, registering several shots, including a close chance from Aduwa-Emovon that was saved
- The half concluded with Noah Brill adding a third goal for UIS just before the break, assisted by Mitch Olenick
- Upper Iowa came out stronger in the second half and managed to score their lone goal in the 62nd minute, courtesy of Thomas Walle.
- UIS held firm, preventing any further breakthroughs from Upper Iowa
- The Prairie Stars continued to create chances, including a shot by Cullen Ogbuke in the closing minutes and multiple corner kicks that kept the pressure on UIU
- The game wrapped up with UIS maintaining a strong defensive posture, limiting Upper Iowa to only 7 shots throughout the match, while UIS recorded 12 shots with 7 on target
Stats at a Glance
UIS Goals: Aduwa-Emovon (4'), Herrera (6' PK), Brill (44')UIU Goals: Walle (62')
Shots: UIS 12 (7 on goal), UIU 7 (4 on goal)
Saves: UIS 3 (Pinna), UIU 4 (Gonzalez-Hayes)
Corners: UIS 6, UIU 3
Fouls: UIS 5, UIU 10
Up Next
With a GLVC tournament berth secured, UIS will look to finish the regular season strong in their final matchup against Lewis on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Around the GLVC
Truman 2, Maryville 2
Lewis 2, Indianapolis 1
Rockhurst 2, Lincoln 1
Illinois Springfield 3, Upper Iowa 1
McKendree 2, Quincy 0
Missouri S&T 2, Southwest Baptist 0
Missouri-St. Louis 2, William Jewell 0