The University of Southern Indiana men’s soccer team dominated the second half but lost the opening game of the 2016 Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2-1, Friday evening at Central Stadium. USI falls to 2-1-0 overall and 0-1-0 in the GLVC, while UMSL goes to 2-1-0, 1-0-0 GLVC.
The Screaming Eagles fell behind early in the match, giving up a tally at the 7:57 mark. USI had more chances than UMSL in the opening half, outshooting the Tritons, 4-3. UMSL held the 1-0 lead through halftime.
In the second half, the Eagles dominated but were only able to managed only one goal when freshman forward Eric Ramirez (Vincennes, Indiana) tied the game, 1-1, on a penalty kick at the 53:33 mark. The Triton scored the eventual game-winner at 58:09 on a penalty kick of their own and give the match a 2-1 final.
The second half saw the Eagles outshoot the Tritons, 12-2, and post an advantage in corner kicks, 6-1. USI won the battle of the shots, 16-5, in the match.
The Eagles conclude their first two-match homestand of the fall Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with their annual “Gold Game” when they roll out the welcome mat for Maryville University.
The “Gold Game” features the Eagles in gold jerseys to promote awareness and the search for a cure of pediatric cancers. Admission for Sunday’s USI-Maryville match is free of charge.
