ST. CHARLES, MO – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) women's soccer team upset Lindenwood University with a 1-0 victory during Tuesday's nonconference matchup.

Emily Matsen contributed the match's only goal during the eighth minute of the contest. The Prairie Stars (2-0-1) locked down defensively to keep the Lions (2-1) off the board for the remainder of the contest. Lindenwood is ranked No. 25 in the latest United Soccer Coaches (USC) NCAA Division II poll.

"The girls put in a fantastic effort against a very good Lindenwood team," UIS coach Erin Egolf said. "It's the first time that this program has ever beaten Lindenwood and the first time this program has ever beaten a ranked team."

Kayla Meyer took a pass from the sideline to place the ball in open space. Meghan Delaney was able to get a head on the ball and create a loose-ball opportunity. Matsen managed to come up with the loose ball and fire a shot from the 15-yard line for the score. The senior midfielder from Springfield, IL recorded her first goal of the season.

The UIS defense held the Lions to three shots on goal and Prairie Star goalkeeper Courtney Johnson rejected each of the three shots she faced.

"Defensively, we were extremely organized, and the back four challenged for everything. It was an outstanding defensive performance."

Lindenwood goalkeeper Mary McGilvray faced four shots and collected three saves.

Matsen scored on her only shot on target. Taylor Mraz tallied two shots on goal and Izabel Pina added a shot on target.

The Lions received shots on goal from Kristin Brewer, Olivia Callipari and Kyleigh Kristensen.

"I'm proud of the way the girls have come together and taken responsibilities for themselves. Every single person on the field gave their best effort and it showed in their result. I couldn't be happier for the girls; they deserved this big win. We are hoping to carry this momentum into the first weekend of conference games."

UIS begins Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play with two road matches. The Prairie Stars face William Jewell College (1-0) on Friday at 5 p.m. in Liberty, MO. UIS wraps up the weekend on Sunday with a matchup against Truman State University (0-1-1) at 2:30 p.m. in Kirksville, MO.

"We are extremely excited for conference play to begin. A lot of the puzzle pieces are starting to mesh well and if we continue to battle and compete the way we have these first three games, we are going to find success this year. I'm excited to season what the rest of the season holds."

PRAIRIE STAR NOTES: Among UIS Division II career leaders, Matsen is tied for seventh in goals (5) and tied for eighth in points (12).