UE men’s soccer drops final non-conference match to Indiana

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The Purple Aces limited the Hoosiers to only two shots on goal in the second half

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team struggled to find its offensive touch in a 2-0 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers.

The Aces couldn’t find the net in Bloomington as UE recorded five shots in a physical 90 minutes. Forward Kai Phillip led UE with three shots, all of which came in the second half. Winger Nkosi Graham and defender Kylian Behem also recorded a shot for Evansville. Aces goalkeeper Aidan Montoure made six saves in the loss for a season-high performance.

UE found themselves down early at Bill Armstrong Stadium as Indiana struck first in the 6th minute. The Hoosiers added to their lead in the 27th minute after drawing goalkeeper Aidan Montoure out to the right side of the penalty area. Freshman defender Kylian Behem had Evansville’s lone chance in the first half during the 20th minute that was blocked by Indiana.

The Aces offense found its spark to begin the second half, putting up three shots in under three minutes. But right before the 60th minute the game went into a weather delay due to lighting strikes in the Bloomington area. The game remained in a weather delay for just over an hour before the players returned to the pitch. The final 30 of the game became a back-and-forth affair between the two sides through the midfield. But Montoure made a diving save to the right in the 81st minute on the Hoosiers second to last shot to keep the final result a 2-0 loss.

Evansville returns to Missouri Valley Conference action on Saturday evening at UIC. UE will kick-off against the Flames at 7 p.m. from Flames Field.