THIS WEEK IN PEACOCK MEN'S SOCCER... Upper Iowa will begin its first homestand of the year with a pair of non-conference games before entering into GLIAC play. The Peacocks will host University of Missouri - St. Louis on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. and Dakota Wesleyan University on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. Live stats and a webcast will be available by clicking the links above or at UIUPeacocks.com/Live.
CURRENT COMPETITION… Upper Iowa's home opener will be played against the UMSL Tritons. This will be the first time in history the two teams face off against each other. UMSL is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference and finished with a 6-10 record last season, 5-8 in conference play. Their 2018 leading scorer, senior midfielder Magnus Andersen is returning to the Tritons for his senior season.
FAMILIAR FOE… The Peacocks will continue their home slate as they take on the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers. DWU finished the 2018 season with a 4-12-1 overall record. As members of the Great Plains Athletic Conference they finished 1-9-1 in conference play. Upper Iowa hopes to remain undefeated against the Tigers as they won the previous match between the two teams at home in 2011 by a count of 1-0.
PEACOCK PERFORMANCE… Upper Iowa suffered two tough road losses this past weekend, both by a score of 3-1. The first defeat came at the hands of Maryville University. Some high points of the game included a breakaway goal scored by junior forward Tate Lofdahl. Lofdahl was assisted on the play by fellow junior forward Italo Martins Soares and freshman midfielder Nate Kopetsky who created the scoring opportunity. Kopetsky started the play by stealing the ball from a Maryville forward.
The second shortcoming came against Lindenwood University. The highlight stemming from that matchup was an impressive goal off the foot of Soares. The unassisted strike occurred after Soares weaved through the Lions defense quickly finding the top right corner of the net. The Peacocks hope that these offensive efforts will soon contribute to a victory.
LOOKING AHEAD… The Peacocks will hit the road and start their conference schedule. Upper Iowa will first face GLIAC opponent, University of Wisconsin - Parkside on Friday, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. in Kenosha, Wis. The road trip will continue on Sunday, Sept. 22 as the Peacocks will face Northern Michigan University at 1:00 p.m. in Marquette, Mich.
