The University of Illinois Springfield men's soccer team will begin their NCAA Tournament journey against the Lewis Flyers on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
UIS (13-1-6)
The Prairie Stars were picked as the 2nd seed in Super-Region 3 of the 2023 Division II Men's Soccer Bracket. The team is enjoying a historic season, winning the GLVC Regular Season Title. UIS played in the GLVC Tournament Final for the second time in three years on Sunday, but ultimately fell in penalty kicks to Indianapolis.
Friday night in the GLVC Tournament Semifinals, UIS lined up against the McKendree Bearcats. Two very stout defensive teams battled for the second time within a month, but the Prairie Stars emerged victorious this time. The lone goal of the game came from Max Tweddle as Joe Conway gave him a great layoff in the box.
Sunday's final against Indianapolis featured two of the top teams in the region for the second time in three weeks. Both teams had great chances to score throughout the match, with Andrea Scapolo coming up with big saves. A 0-0 tie after 110 minutes of action meant penalty kicks would decide who would be the GLVC Tournament Champion. After three rounds, the score was 1-1 with both keepers making good saves. Indianapolis scored their fourth penalty, while UIS couldn't convert on either of their last two. UIndy was crowned the GLVC Champion for the fourth time.
Lewis (11-3-5)
The Flyers come into Sunday's matchup as the 7th seed in Region 3 of the 2023 Division II Men's Soccer Bracket. Lewis battled the 10th seeded Purdue Northwest Pride on Friday afternoon at Kiwanis Stadium, where they earned the right to play the Prairie Stars on Sunday. The lone goal of the game came from Cristian Perez in the 78th minute. Perez found space on the edge of the box and curled it in with his left foot for his first goal of the season. The Flyers' defense held strong to earn their twelfth shutout of the season.
UIS vs. Lewis History
UIS currently holds a 12-13-1 all-time record against Lewis. The Prairie Stars have won the previous five contests between the two. In their contest earlier this season, UIS won 1-0 in Romeoville to clinch the GLVC Regular Season Title on a goal from Drew Keller.
How to Watch
- Official NCAA merchandise will be available for purchase at the tournament. Concessions will be sold during all games. Digital programs can be accessed using the QR code posted around the venue
- Admission for each day of the tournament play will be as follows:
- General Admission: $15
- Students with I.D./Senior Citizens: $10
- Children, ages 2-12: $5
- Children under the age of 2 shall be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- The first 100 UIS will gain free entry
- The game will be streamed on GLVCSN for free