University of Southern Indiana sophomore forward Eric Ramirez (Vincennes, Indiana) scored the game-winning goal at the 81:35 mark in the second half as USI upped its win streak to three games with a win over visiting Truman State University Sunday afternoon at Strassweg Field.
A rainy afternoon made for slick field conditions, as players tried to maintain their footing. The Screaming Eagles (6-5-0, 4-5-0 GLVC) were held without a shot in the first half, while the Bulldogs (3-10-0, 2-8-0 GLVC) mustered five shots, one on goal.
With the game still scoreless 80 minutes in, senior midfielder Cesar Alba (Hanover Park, Illinois) had the ball in the center of the field and delivered a through ball to Ramirez. Ramirez then pushed the ball past the keeper from the right side of the box after a few dribbles to give the Eagles all the scoring they would need.
The Bulldogs nearly took an early lead in the first half when senior goalkeeper Adam Zehme (Orland Park, Illinois) misplayed a ball near the edge of the box. However, junior defender Kent Katzman (Spring Hill, Tennessee) hustled after the ball and made a sliding stop just before the ball crossed the goal line.
USI also had a scoring opportunity in the 75th minute, when a bicycle kick by Ramirez bounced off the crossbar.
Truman outshot the Eagles 9-7 for the game, with Zehme collecting two saves and his second shutout of the season.
The Eagles return to the road next week, traveling to the far west of the GLVC when they visit William Jewell College and fifth-ranked Rockhurst University. Kickoff Friday at WJC is slated for 7:30 p.m., while the start time next Sunday at Rockhurst is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Following next weekend’s road trip, USI comes back to Strassweg Field for the longest and final homestand of 2017. The Eagles are scheduled to host Drury University October 20; Missouri University of Science & Technology for Senior Day October 22; and McKendree University October 25 for the 2017 regular season finale.
