The Illinois Springfield men's soccer team defeated Missouri-St. Louis 3-2 on Saturday, marking its first win of the season. The Prairie Stars withstood five UMSL attacks from 78:33 to 88:31 of the second half without conceding.
UIS made its shot volume count, putting six of nine attempts on goal while UMSL put four of 17 on frame.
Robin Lemke Bergseth gave UIS a two-goal performance, including the game-winner.
After UMSL went in front in the 10th minute, UIS answered through
Robin Lemke Bergseth's penalty kick at 19:18.
Josh Mensching put the Prairie Stars ahead at 37:17 off assists from
Donovan Faletto and
Adam Knaze, and Bergseth added another goal at 38:11 to send Illinois Springfield into halftime up 3-1.
The Prairie Stars protected a 3-2 lead after Mario Garcia scored for UMSL in the 68th minute.
Kevin Kardel made a save on Brady Freeman earlier in the half, and
Josh Mensching put a shot on goal in the 82nd minute before the Tritons generated several late attempts without another score.
Robin Lemke Bergseth put three of his team-high four shots on goal.
Josh Mensching added a goal on three shots, with two on frame.
Kevin Kardel played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with two saves.
"It was a game of two halves, really. We showed great character to score three after going down 1-0 early, we displayed spirit and quality. In the second half, we knew it would be more of a fight, and we were up for the challenge. I'm really proud of the lads tonight. Now we focus on Wednesday," said head coach
Graham Shaw.
Up next, the Prairie Stars host Upper Iowa on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 4:30 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium in Springfield.
UIS thanks CEFCU for its partnership and continued support of UIS soccer.
Learn more about CEFCU.
