The UIS men's soccer team defeated Purdue Northwest with a decisive 3-1 victory at Kiwanis Stadium on Wednesday night, marking its first win of the season and improving its all-time record against PNW to 2-2-1. Impressively, all goal scoring occurred from the 75th minute onward.
The opening 45 minutes featured few clear chances, with UIS holding stretches of possession but unable to break through. Cameron Fyre and
Leul Mehari each had shots that went off target, and the match remained scoreless at halftime.
The second half began with the Prairie Stars pressing offensively, with
Robin Lemke Bergseth and
Jack Hudson both taking early attempts on goal. Despite an initial setback with Purdue Northwest's Sebastiao Sousa scoring in the 74th minute to give the visitors a brief lead, the Prairie Stars mounted a comeback. Hudson equalized in the 84th minute, and swiftly followed up with another goal three minutes later, assisted by
Aaron Sachse. The Prairie Stars solidified their lead in the final moments with
Corne Boshoff converting a penalty in the 90th minute, securing a 3-1 victory.
Following the win, head coach
Graham Shaw reflected on both the performance and the recent passing of former UIS coach Milton Howell Tennant Jr. "I would like to dedicate tonight's win to Milton Howell Tennant Jr.," Shaw said. "Overall, I thought we deserved the win tonight. In the first half, we did just enough to control the game. In the second, the team executed the game plan. We were unlucky to concede a goal so late, but the lads battled hard and never gave up, and we got three goals to earn the win. We now have all our focus on conference play, starting with a tough game against William Jewell on Sunday."
Hudson led the team with two goals, including the game-winner, from four shots, three of which were on target. Boshoff added to the offense by converting his second penalty kick of the season, and Sachse contributed with an assist.
Landon Amick played the full 90 minutes in goal, facing four shots and allowing one goal as the Prairie Stars secured the win.
Up Next
The Prairie Stars hold a record of 1-1-1 on the season while Purdue Northwest stands at 0-3-0 overall. Looking ahead, the Prairie Stars will host William Jewell on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 2:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium. UIS will celebrate Senior Day for its soccer programs, with recognition occurring immediately after the women's soccer game.
