IOWA CITY, IOWA — Ill. Springfield earned a 2-1 victory over Upper Iowa on Sunday, snapping a two-game losing streak with an upset win on the road. The visiting Prairie Stars struck early and held off a second-half Upper Iowa comeback before 577 spectators at the home venue.
Corne Boshoff gave Ill. Springfield an early advantage in the 5th minute, capitalizing on Upper Iowa's defensive vulnerability. The hosts equalized in the 39th minute when Alejandro Sanchez scored off an assist from Jeremiah Goko, leveling the match heading into halftime. Robin Lemke Bergseth restored Ill. Springfield's lead in the 62nd minute, providing the decisive goal that held through the final whistle.
Despite Upper Iowa's territorial dominance—the Peacocks attempted 20 shots compared to Ill. Springfield's six—the visiting goalkeeper made nine saves to preserve the result. Upper Iowa's 10 corner kicks failed to produce additional scoring opportunities. Ill. Springfield's goalkeeper recorded two saves while managing limited defensive pressure.
The victory marks Ill. Springfield's first win in three matches after consecutive defeats to UIndy and Lewis. Upper Iowa, now 4-11-2 overall, extended its losing streak to two games following a 2-0 loss to McKendree on Friday. The Peacocks' inconsistent form continues to complicate their regional tournament positioning as the season progresses.
Ill. Springfield improves to 3-11-3 with the road triumph, demonstrating resilience despite limited offensive opportunities. The Prairie Stars' defensive discipline and goalkeeper efficiency proved decisive against a more aggressive opponent. Upper Iowa's inability to convert possession into goals highlighted ongoing offensive struggles.
Ill. Springfield returns to action in its next conference matchup, while Upper Iowa seeks to reverse course in upcoming regional competition.