The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer team had another game with rival Parkside that went down to the wire. The Prairie Stars won their home opener by a 2-1 margin over the Rangers.
 
UIS scored early and that was the only goal for the first 80 minutes of the contest. Just over five minutes into the game, Conal Gallagher took a corner kick and Niccolo Ciceri headed it towards the net. The header deflected off a Ranger defender and into the goal.
 
UIS appeared in the driver's seat after Parkside had a player sent off in the 76th minute. Just five minutes later, though, the Rangers scored to tie the game up. The game didn't remain tied for long. Seventy-eight seconds later, Rory Carlson had possession on the right side of the Parkside box, and sent a perfect pass to the left corner of the goal. Federico D'Andrea was there and headed the ball into the goal for the game-winner.
 
UIS outshot Parkside 23-10, including 10-2 on shots on goal. The Prairie Stars especially had an advantage in the second half when they outshot the Rangers 13-2.
 
Carlson had a team-high four shots for UIS, including two shots on goal. Alberto Valsecchi picked up his first win in goal for UIS. He had to make just one save, but it was a big one with a diving stop in the first half. Ciceri was the lone field player to play all 90 minutes in the hot afternoon.
 
UIS improves to 1-2-0 on the season. The Prairie Stars start GLVC play on Sept. 11 at home against Missouri S&T.