SOMERS, WI – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men's soccer team outlasted the University of Wisconsin Parkside in a 2-1 double-overtime victory during Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) matchup.
 
The goal for the Prairie Stars (6-6-1, 6-4-1) was to rebound and snap a three-game losing streak.
 
"We were on a bad streak," UIS coach Adam Hall said. "We knew this was a massive game for us."
 
"It was a tough game, especially because the whole team knew how important it was to get the win," UIS midfielder Dan Mahoney added.
 
Naba Alzhyri produced two goals to lead the Prairie Stars. Alex Zarco also contributed an assist.
 
"Naba showed up big time when we needed some leadership," Hall acknowledged.
 
Both teams remained scoreless at halftime. The Rangers (3-8-1, 3-6-1) held a 4-2 advantage over the Prairie Stars in shots on goal.
 
UIS had a good look in the 66th minute off a transition opportunity. Mario Falsone took the shot but it was saved by UW-Parkside goalkeeper Nate Kitchell.
 
UW-Parkside to a 1-0 lead after Abraham Kanneh capitalized off a cross to the box from Stevi Krecak 70 minutes into the match.
 
"We started well and created some good chances, but unfortunately conceded the first goal, which put us under more pressure."
 
"I thought we played really well in the first half but didn't come out of the second half with same intensity that we needed to score," Zarco commented.
 
With less than two minutes remaining, Mahony sent a through ball to Alzhyri in the box. The Prairie Stars were awarded a penalty kick after Alzhyri was fouled inside the box. Alzhyri took the kick and delivered the equalizer.
 
"I saw Naba make the run and knew I just had to get the weight right on the ball and he was through on the goal," Mahoney described. "The composure he showed to score the penalty under so much pressure was fantastic."
 
"With 1:36 left in the second half, a great through ball sent by Dan rolled right into my path," Alzhyri recalled. "A penalty was awarded, I stepped up and put it in the back of the net."
 
The match was knotted at 1-all going into the overtime period but the Prairie Stars had the momentum following their last goal.
 
"It's a testament to our belief and determination that we didn't give up and kept pushing right to the end to get the equalizer," Mahoney stated.
 
"Credit the boys for fighting back and getting an equalizer in the closing minutes," Zarco said. "After we scored the first goal, I knew we were going to win."
 
UIS came away with the victory during the 102nd minute after Zarco created an opening for Alzhyri at the top of the box and Alzhyri notched his second goal of the day.
 
"When I got the ball at the top of the box and saw Naba wide open, I knew he was going to score."
 
"The game-winning goal came from Alex maneuvering his way through the middle and gave a great pass to my feet," Alzhyri recalled. "I made a quick sharp left turn, I hit the ball bottom left to take the win home."
 
The Rangers outshot the Prairie Stars by a 22-15 margin.
 
UIS goalkeeper Tommy Geile faced 10 shots and rejected nine saves while Kitchell squared against seven shots and gather five saves. Geile and Kitchell served as goalkeeper for 101 minutes, 24 seconds.
 
Falsone compiled four shots on goal, Alzhyri tallied two shots on target and Will Teichman added a shot on goal.
 
Max Ludwig contributed three shots on goal while Vic Vera delivered two shots on target. The Rangers also received shots on goal from Kanneh, Brandon Henderson, Burim Husseini, Reyes Perez and Leki Prpa.
 
"I was delighted with the turn-around," Hall acknowledged. "It shows great character to come back and win the game like we did."
 
UIS entertains Lewis University (9-3, 8-2) in a GLVC matchup on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium.
 
"It's a huge win for the team and sets us up nicely for a home match against Lewis," Zarco commented.
 
"It was a great win but our heads are now focused on Lewis on Sunday," Alzhyri stated.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the Springfield Marathon, University Drive and the south end of 11th Street will be closed, so fans will need to come into campus on Vachel Lindsay Drive off the north end of 11th Street. The South Lot (Lot I) will also be closed, so fans will need to park in the North Lot (Lot F).
 
PRAIRIE STAR NOTES
Alzhyri holds the UIS Division II single-season record for game-winning goals (4). Among UIS Division II career leaders, Alzhyri ranks second in assists (6), is tied for first in game-winning goals (4) and is tied for fifth in points (18).