The Upper Iowa men's soccer team was unable to push past Purdue University - Northwest as they fell by a score of 3-0 in their GLIAC opener. The loss drops the Peacocks to 3-1 (0-1 GLIAC) on the year while the Pride improve to 2-2 (1-0 GLIAC) on the season.
Neither team was able to make much of a push in the first half as the score remained tied through the first 45 minutes. The Pride were able to apply pressure with a 6-3 advantage in shots taken and a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks, but both goalkeepers saved the only two shots that each team put on goal.
The Peacocks applied the pressure early in the second period as they earned a corner kick at the 47:07 mark that led to a shot from
Martin Voll that had to be saved by PNW.
Italo Martins Soares put a shot on goal for Upper Iowa a few minutes later, but Purdue-Northwest made the save and countered with an attack that saw the Pride draw a foul and score on the ensuing free kick in the 54th minute. The Peacocks took some self-inflicted damage in the 72nd minute as an own goal doubled the PNW lead to 2-0. Upper Iowa took the next three shots of the match as they tried to cut into their deficit, but the next goal came from Purdue-Northwest in the 87th minute to swell the lead to 3-0. UIU took the final shot of the match at the 88:37 mark, but the conference opener for both teams ended with a 3-0 win for PNW.
PEACOCKS OF THE GAME...
- Italo Martins Soares tied for the match-lead with three shots and two shots on goal, leading the Peacocks in the process.
STATS OF THE GAME...
- Upper Iowa earned five corners in the second half compared to two from PNW, finishing with an 8-7 advantage in the match.
- Each team put up four shots on goal, but Purdue-Northwest's ability to convert half of those chances decided the match.
COACH'S QUOTES... "
Not the start we were looking for today, but when mistakes are made they are punished in this conference. Sadly, we created a number of situations from our own play which ultimately saw us lose today. We weren't able to create or finish the chances we did have, and that's a bad combination. I'm looking for a positive reaction from the team in terms of finding the energy and togetherness that has served us well this season already but might've been lacking a little today. This team has the character and motivation to turn things around quickly and we'll be looking forward to the Davenport game." - Head Coach,
Willie McGowan
UP NEXT... The Peacocks continue conference play as they head to Grand Rapids, Mich. to face Davenport University on Sunday, Sep. 19 at 2 p.m.
