UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University men's soccer team rallied in the second half with three goals in the final 19 minutes to top No. 16 University of Illinois-Springfield on Saturday.
The Cardinals took a quick lead with two goals in the first five minutes of the game, but UIS answered swiftly with three goals in under three minutes to take a 3-2 lead. After Jonathon Monney tied the game with his second of the game, Elliot Nottoli scored two in the closing minutes to give the Cardinals the 5-3 win.
SVSU moves to 2-0-0 on the season with a pair of wins this week over nationally ranked opponents.
How it Happened:
- Nottoli got the scoring started early with his fist of the year on an assist from Joshua Rubin in the third minute.
- SVSU made it 2-0 less than two minutes later, on a goal from Monney on a free kick assist from Robbie Baker.
- The lead did not last long. After Max Tweddle got UIS on the board in the 13th minute, Drew Keller and Lucas Harris scored in the 16th minute to put the Prairie Stars up 3-2.
- The score remained the same well into the second half, with Jack Simms making several big saves to keep the Cardinals in the game.
- Monney scored his second of the game and third of the season in the 72nd minute, again, on an assist from Baker to tie the score.
- Nottoli took a brilliant pass from Jayden Cameron in the 82nd minute to put SVSU back in front 4-3.
- With less than four minutes to play, Nottoli bicycle kicked home a goal to put the game away. Monney got the assist.
Inside the Box Score:
- The Cardinals outshot the Prairie Stars 13-10, while also holding the 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
- Simms (2-0-0) earned his second win of the season, stopping five shots for the Cardinals.
Up Next:
The Cardinals travel to Midland, Mich., next weekend for two games starting against Tiffin University at 2:30 pm on Friday. The game will be hosted at Northwood University.
