Upper Iowa fell to Wisconsin-Parkside by a score of 2-1 in today's road match. Upper Iowa scored first in the contest, when Senior midfielder Seth Russell scored early on in the first half. The Peacocks were shutout for the rest of the match while the Rangers scored two second half goals to win the game. Upper Iowa falls to 0-4-0 (0-1-0 GLIAC) while Wisconsin-Parkside improves to 2-3-0 (1-0-0 GLIAC).
Despite being out shot 18 to four in the first half, Upper Iowa got out to an early 1-0 lead in the first half of play. Seth Russell found the net in the 6th minute. Freshman midfielder Nate Kopetsky made a key stop at midfield, Kopetsky then found Russell open down field who was able to score. The lead that the Peacocks maintained throughout the first half was the first they have held thus far this season. Peacocks goalkeeper senior Anthony Velez was a big contributor to the strong start as he made six saves on all six of Wisconsin-Parkside's shots on goal in the first half.
The Rangers took control of the match in the second half. Wisconsin-Parkside scored two uncontested goals to take the match. In the 79th minute, the Rangers broke their scoring drought tying the match at one when sophomore forward Jack Mittelsteadt found the net, assisting Mittelsteadt on the play was Senior midfielder Burim Huseini. Huseini also found the back of the net less than five minutes later to put Wisconsin-Parkside up by the eventual final score of 2-1. Assisting him on the play was senior midfielder Leki Prpa. The Peacocks were unable to even up the score in the final seven minutes, resulting in the 2-1 loss.
TURNING POINT... Huseini's goal in the 83rd minute gave the Rangers the lead for the first time in the match and they never looked back from that point forward.
PEACOCK OF THE GAME... Seth Russell had the Peacocks lone goal of the game. Russell also played well in transition, making several stops and consistently moving the ball upfield for Upper Iowa.
STATS OF THE GAME...
- Peacock goalkeeper Anthony Velez had a strong performance in net saving eight of 10 shots on goal he faced.
- The Wisconsin-Parkside goalkeeper made just two saves on the three shots on goal he faced.Wisconsin-Parkside was held scoreless for the first 78 minutes of play, their two goals came within a five minute span in the second half (78:48-83:17).
- The combined four yellow cards in the match is the most penalties, the Peacocks have seen thus far in the season.
QUOTABLES...
- "We felt we've done enough today to earn the win here, but ultimately we fell just a little short. We now know the GLIAC will be tough every single game and 90 minutes of play is needed to earn a win in this league." - Head Coach, Willie McGowan
- "It can be disheartening losing in this fashion, having had the lead for so long, but we'll need to pick ourselves back up quickly for Sunday. We've a good group of lads here and we are still working hard for each other. We are close to being where we need to be and I'm confident we'll kick on again." - Head Coach, Willie McGown
UP NEXT... The Peacocks will play Northwood University on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. in Midland, Mich. Visit UIUPeacocks/Live to follow along via live stats and a webcast
