FINDLAY, OH – Tiffin University fended off the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men's soccer team with a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
The Dragons (1-1) jumpstarted to a 2-0 lead over the Prairie Stars (0-2) in the first half. Tiffin held on for the victory, despite a late goal from Rhys Wallace. The Dragons are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) NCAA Division II preseason poll.
Abdoul Magid Sy put Tiffin on the board during the 14th minute after firing a shot that bounced off the post and in for the score. Scott Byrom was credited for the assist on the play. The Dragons took a two-score lead into halftime after Demba Dja scored in the final minute of the first half off a pass from Alexander Wagener.
The Prairie Stars delivered four total shots on goal in the second half. Edward Rose provided a shot on target in the 75th minute and Naba Alzhyri contributed a shot on goal in the 87th minute.
During the final minute, Wallace netted a free kick, putting the Prairie Stars within a score. As the final seconds began to wane, Wallace drilled a corner kick that was on target, but Tiffin goalkeeper Cary Wilson rejected the game-tying shot attempt to seal the victory.
UIS goalkeeper Tommy Geile faced five shots and collected three saves while Wilson sent away three of the four shots he faced. In the match, UIS outshot Tiffin on the match 12-9 but were only able to put four on target.
The Prairie Stars begin Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play on Friday when they take on William Jewell College (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. in Liberty, MO.
