SPRINGFIELD, IL – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men's soccer team begins Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) action with two road matches this weekend.

SETTING THE SCENE
The Prairie Stars (0-2) are scheduled to clash with William Jewell College (0-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Liberty, MO. UIS wraps up the weekend by battling Truman State University (1-2) on Sunday at 12 p.m. in Kirksville, MO

LOOKING BACK
During the 2016 season, UIS captured ninth place in the conference behind a 7-9-2 overall record and a 6-7-2 conference record. William Jewell closed out the season in 15th in the conference standings with a 2-14-1 overall record and a 2-12-1 conference record while Truman State placed 11th behind a 6-7-4 overall record and a 4-7-3 conference record.

STARS OF NOTE
Rhys Wallace netted a goal for the Prairie Stars during last Saturday's 2-1 loss to Tiffin University (1-1). The junior from Kilmarnock, Scotland leads the team with three shots on goal. Naba Alzhyri, Mario Falsone and Edward Rose have each contributed a shot on target this season.

UIS goalkeeper Tommy Geile has faced 12 shots and recorded eight saves this season.

A LOOK AT THE OPPONENTS
William Jewell returns eight players from last year's squad, which fell to the Prairie Stars in a 2-1 decision. Charlie Parrish returns after leading the Cardinals with three goals and three assists last season.

Truman State kicked off its nonconference schedule with two opponents ranked in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) NCAA Division II preseason poll. The Bulldogs took 3-0 losses to No. 17 Lindenwood University (1-2) last Friday and No. 19 Saginaw Valley State University (2-0) last Sunday. Truman State cruised to a 4-0 victory over Southwest Baptist University (0-2) on Tuesday.

The Prairie Stars handed the Bulldogs a 3-1 loss last season. Truman State graduated its leading scorer in Craig McLaurine, who tallied four goals and five assists last season. The Bulldogs return Matt Yankowitz, who provided four goals last year, in addition to seven starters.

LOOKING AHEAD
UIS begins its home seasons by hosting two conference opponents next weekend. The Prairie Stars take on Drury University (1-1) on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. UIS closes the weekend against Missouri S&T (1-0-1) on Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

UIS DIVISION II RECORD BOOK WATCH
Geile is currently tied for first in career shutouts (5) and ranks second in career saves (174). Alzhyri holds second in career assists (6) while Jack Coombes is tied for third in career game-winning goals (3). Coombes is one game-winning goal away from tying the all-time school record.

HOW TO WATCH
Friday, Sept. 8: UIS at William Jewell – 7:30 p.m. (Live Video) (Live Stats)
Sunday, Sept. 10: UIS at Truman State – 12 p.m. (Live Video) (Live Stats)