Upper Iowa's second half rally fell short as the Peacocks were defeated by Maryville University by a score of 3-1. The loss marks Maryville's first victory against UIU. The Saints start off the 2019 season 1-0 as the Peacocks begin their campaign 0-1 with hopes of evening up their record Sunday afternoon when they face off against Lindenwood University.
The Saints got on board first in the 29th minute when junior forward Ricardo Andrade fielded teammate junior defender Dom Riggio's shot from 6 yards out and found the net. Freshman forward Braden Johnson was also awarded an assist on the play. Before the goal, Peacocks goalkeeper Anthony Velez recorded a trio of saves on the first three shots on goal. The Saints netted just one of their nine shots on goal in the first half.
Maryville found the net for a second time, eight minutes into the second half. Johnson scored on a header when he intercepted a corner kick off the foot of Andrade from seven yards out, putting the Saints up 2-0.
The Peacocks then cut the deficit in half in the 67th minute. Junior forward Tate Lofdahl stormed up field after receiving the ball from freshman midfielder Nate Kopetsky. Lofdahl soared past a Saint defender with ease before scoring from 16 yards out approaching the box from the right side.
Maryville put the game out of reach in the 80th minute when Johnson scored his second goal and fifth point of the match when he fielded a rebound off the foot of sophomore midfielder Mirza Hasecic and found the net from five yards out putting Maryville up by the eventual final score of 3-1.
Velez had six saves in the contest compared to just one made by the Maryville goalkeeper. Senior midfielder Seth Russell was active on both sides of the ball, he had a shot on goal and was a contributor to the Peacocks defensive effort.
PEACOCK OF THE GAME...
- Tate Lofdahl's breakaway goal in the 67th minute cut the Peacocks deficit in half and changed the match's momentum in favor of the Peacocks. Upper Iowa was unable to come away with a victory but their time of possession increased giving them more control within the game after the goal was scored. Lofdahl was very active throughout the game helping the Peacocks offense move the ball downfield.
STAT OF THE GAME...
- The two teams combined for fifteen fouls in the contest. Maryville doubled Upper Iowa's total as they committed ten fouls while the disciplined Peacocks only obtained five.
QUOTABLE... "
The lads stepped up against a very good team today and went toe-to-toe with them for good spells in the game. In the end, we were unable to defend our own penalty area well enough as a team. These errors can be easily be fixed and we know now we can compete with this level of opponent. We are still growing as a team with the addition of the new players but we have a great mix of of maturity and leaders that are starting to emerge from within the team." - Willie McGowen, Head Soccer Coach
UP NEXT... Upper Iowa will continue their road trip as they will take on the Lindenwood University Lions on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. in St. Charles, Mo. Live options for Sunday's matinee are available at UIUPeacocks.com/Live.
