EVANSVILLE, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer opened its five-game homestand with a 1-0 victory over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Tuesday night, notching the Screaming Eagles’ first victory of the 2025 season.
After a 6-0 loss to Louisville, USI bounced back, securing its first home opener win since 2017. Junior Pablo Juan scored the Eagles’ first goal of the season in the 64th minute, which proved to be the game-winner. Freshman forward Edin Cvorovic led the team in shots with two, one on goal.
The momentum began early in the match. Junior Sam McConnell recorded USI’s first shot on goal of the season at the 10:46 mark in the first half. The Eagles followed it up with three more shots over the remainder of the half. USI’s best first-half opportunity came off the foot of sophomore Ahiro Nakamae, but the Rose-Hulman goalkeeper made a diving stop, limiting the attack.
Junior defender Kristopher Martial tallied the final shot of the half, with a header off a Nakamae corner that went directly to the keeper. The Eagles’ defense suffocated the Engineers, as they dominated the time of possession and held them without a shot.
USI was able to break the seal in the 64th minute, as Juan found the back of the net with assists from freshman duo Jimmy Murphy and Tony Murphy. The USI defense held sturdy after the goal, despite Rose-Hulman tallying four late shots.
McConnell made a phenomenal sliding save at 81:51, stopping a Rose-Hulman attack and preserving the USI lead. The Eagles made a late push to extend the lead with shots from Cvorovic and freshman midfielder Gian Colassaco.
Overall, the Eagles’ offense dominated the match, outshooting the Engineers 10-5 (6-2 on goal) and recording nine corners to Rose-Hulman’s three. Freshman goalkeeper Jacob English recorded one save on two Rose-Hulman shots on goal.
USI continues its homestand September 1 against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Last year, the Phoenix won the matchup 3-2, with the go-ahead goal coming in the final four seconds of the match. Monday’s contest will be streamed on ESPN+, and admission to the game will be free courtesy of ProRehab.
