The Illinois Springfield men's soccer team showed grit and late-game fight on Friday night, earning a 2-2 draw with Drury in GLVC play. The result moves UIS to 2-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in conference action.

Drury struck first less than five minutes into the match after a failed UIS clearance left the ball loose near the top of the box. The Panthers capitalized to take a quick 1-0 lead. Despite the early setback, UIS outshot Drury 5-3 before halftime, though the visitors maintained their advantage through the break.

The Panthers doubled their lead midway through the second half when a long free kick was redirected into the net to make it 2-0. UIS continued to push, and with just under ten minutes to play, the Prairie Stars broke through. After a throw-in led to a scramble inside the box, Jack Hudson found the loose ball at his feet and buried a shot over the keeper for his fourth goal of the season.

Then, in dramatic fashion, UIS found the equalizer in the final minute. With the clock winding down, goalkeeper Edoardo Pinna pushed forward to help keep the ball alive after a clearance. Robin Lemke Bergseth collected the ball near the left post and sent a cross into the box, where Corne Boshoff met it with a clean finish to tie the match at 2-2.

The closing moments were intense, with both teams pushing for a winner amid rising tempo and physical play.

UIS finished with a 9-8 edge in total shots and matched Drury 4-4 in shots on goal. Each side committed 11 fouls. Pinna went the distance in goal for the Prairie Stars, making two saves and playing a key role in the final-minute equalizer that helped UIS secure the draw.

"Overall, I thought we were the better team," said head coach Graham Shaw. "Drury only looked dangerous from set pieces, and they took advantage of those moments, but the lads battled back to make it 2-2. Now we turn our focus to Missouri S&T on Sunday."

Up Next
UIS will return to action Sunday at 2:30 p.m. for its Cancer Awareness Game against Missouri S&T.