The UIS men's soccer team battled nationally ranked No. 20 Lincoln to a 1-1 draw Saturday, demonstrating the Prairie Stars' competitiveness as they enter the second half of the GLVC slate. UIS is now 2-6-3 overall and 1-5-2 in conference play.
Lincoln controlled early play, outshooting UIS 10-4 in the first half and 5-2 on goal, but the Prairie Stars' defense looked composed, limiting dangerous chances and keeping corners and fouls to a minimum.
Gentil Selemani had an excellent opportunity late in the half but was crowded out by the Blue Tigers' back line. UIS goalkeeper
Edoardo Pinna was tested frequently but handled the pressure with composure.
The second half was more balanced. With 31 minutes remaining, Lincoln scored when a long ball trickled past Pinna. UIS responded quickly, leveling the score as
Corne Boshoff capitalized on a back pass mishap and finished to tie it 1-1. Pinna continued to shine, making a key save from 20 yards out with just over 13 minutes to play.
The closing minutes were tense, with back-and-forth action across the field. Lincoln's late set-piece attempts were thwarted, and UIS maintained control, clearing the ball in the final five seconds to secure the draw. Pinna finished with eight saves, and UIS managed the game effectively, drawing even in the second half with three shots on goal to Lincoln's four.
"We knew going into this game how tough it would be and how disciplined we would have to be without the ball," said head coach
Graham Shaw. "The lads gave maximum effort in today's game and we thoroughly deserved the point we got against a team ranked No. 20. We now prepare for Sunday's game against UMSL."
Up Next
The Prairie Stars will return to action Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Missouri-St. Louis.
