The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer team heads into the fifth weekend of conference play preparing for two road matches. The Prairie Stars face William Jewell on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and Rockhurst on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. UIS is currently ranked 13th in the latest United Soccer Coaches National Poll.
UIS (8-1-2, 7-0)
UIS is currently in sole possession of 1st place in the GLVC.
Friday night against Southwest Baptist was one for the record books as the Stars ran riot to celebrate Homecoming. A dominant 7-0 win came from UIS having 74% possession and outshooting 32-2, with a whopping 23 of those shots being on target for the Stars. Brian Riordan became the third player in the DII era of UIS history to score a hat-trick, with his goals in the 21st, 22nd, and 56th minutes. Joe Conway scored two of his own, Adrian Adames scored another, and Federico D'Andrea scored his first of the year to complete the rout. Assists were credited to Max Tweddle (2), Drew Keller, Luke Ridley, Federico D'Andrea, and Joe Conway.
Sunday afternoon was a much more difficult match against Drury, as the Panthers and Stars competed in a physical game throughout. In the first half the better chances fell to the Panthers as Andrea Scapolo made two big saves to keep Drury off the scoresheet. The second half was much different as the Stars came out firing. In the 72nd minute UIS was awarded a penalty kick, but the ball hit the post and trickled across the line. In the 80th minute Drury's Mattheo Ledoux received his second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red. The Stars then capitalized on playing a man up with 10 minutes to go. The first goal came after a scramble in the box and Riccardo Sandulli notching his second goal of the year. The second goal came just thirty seconds later as Drew Keller crossed a ball which Adrian Adames headed into the corner for his fifth goal of the year. UIS outshot DU 11-4 with a 7-3 advantage in shots on target.
William Jewell (0-9-2, 0-6-2)
William Jewell currently sits last in the GLVC after losing both matches last weekend.
The Cardinals traveled to Upper Iowa on Friday night where their fortunes in the GLVC looked to improve. The Peacocks came out quickly, taking the lead just after nine minutes. UIU controlled the rest of the first half as Jewell only managed to register one shot. The second half was much more even, but UIU increased their lead to 3-0 by the 55th minute. Jewell's lone goal came from Brian Vidal in the 58th minute. Upper Iowa scored again two minutes later to push the score to 4-1, which is where the match finished. UIU outshot WJC 17-7 with a 10-5 advantage in shots on goal for the Peacocks.
On Sunday against Truman State the Bulldogs and Cardinals competed in an intense match. Jewell once again surrendered an early goal, as TSU took the lead in the 20th minute from a penalty kick. TSU scored again in the 70th minute to push the lead to 2-0, which is where the match would finish. WJC had many opportunities to score, but couldn't put the ball in the net. WJC outshot TSU 14-12 with a 3-2 advantage in shots on target.
The Cardinals are led by Alexis Ibarra and Cole Bulgren, who both have two goals on the year. Three other Cardinals have one goal apiece. Ibarra also has two assists to his name for six points on the season.
UIS vs. William Jewell History
UIS holds an 8-5 record against Jewell in the all-time series. The Prairie Stars have won the last six meetings between the two. In last year's match, UIS escaped with a 2-0 win in Springfield.
Rockhurst (4-5-2, 2-4-2)
Rockhurst currently sits 8th in the GLVC standings after picking up four points last weekend.
Friday in Kirksville against Truman was a battle between two squads that made the GLVC Tournament last season. Rockhurst took the lead from a great turn and finish from Sam McIntosh in the 27th minute. Rockhurst couldn't hold onto the lead as Truman responded in the 56th minute with a goal of their own. The score would stay there until the final whistle, although both teams had chances to win. RU outshot TSU 11-5, with a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal.
On Sunday against Upper Iowa, a feisty encounter between the two ensued. Rockhurst took the early lead in the 13th minute from a Jacopo Belardo goal. Both teams had great opportunities to score, but neither could capitalize as the Hawks escaped with a 1-0 win. UIU outshot RU 18-13 with the Hawks edging the Peacocks 6-5 in shots on target. Rockhurst was shown six yellow cards during the match.
Rockhurst is led by Jacopo Belardo who has two goals and an assist on the year. Six other Hawks have all scored a goal this year also. Cristoforo LiCavoli and Jeremiah Musa have recorded two assists on the year.
The Hawks host Quincy on Friday night before welcoming the Prairie Stars on Sunday.
UIS vs. Rockhurst History
UIS currently holds a 6-16-2 record all-time against Rockhurst. In last year's matchup the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in Springfield. The last time the two met in Kansas City, UIS emerged victorious 2-1.
Up Next
The Stars return to Kiwanis for their final home matches of the year to face UMSL (10/20) and McKendree (10/22).
