Springfield, Ill.  – The Maryville University men's soccer team dropped a tight contest to Illinois – Springfield 1-0 Friday evening at Kiwanis Stadium in Springfield, Ill. This was the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener for both teams.
 
What Happened – After the two squads played to a scoreless tie in the first half, in which the Saints had a goal wiped off due to an offsides call early in the match, the Prairie Stars cracked the scoreboard in the 62nd minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Maryville continued to have opportunities in the later stages of the game but could not score the equalizing goal.
 
Inside the Numbers – The Saints outshot UIS 17- 8 and held a 12-5 advantage in shots in the second half Zulfikar Karimi paced the Maryville attack with four shots while four other Saints added two shots apiece. Helmut Florencia and Eyob Tadesse each had a pair of shots on goal.
 
Records – Maryville – 1-2-1
                  Illinois - Springfield– 1-2-1
 
Up Next – The Saints return to Maryville Field to continue play in the GLVC as Maryville plays host to Bellarmine. The match is set to begin at 2:30 p.m.