The UTM soccer team held the Ohio Valley Conference’s (OVC) top-scoring offense in check in the first half on a soggy night before SIUE struck for two goals in the second to record a 2-0 victory and remain undefeated on the season.
The Skyhawks (2-2, 2-2 OVC) dropped their second straight game against a league foe sitting atop the conference standings while being shutout for the first time this season.
SIUE entered the match averaging 4.3 goals, 22.3 shots and 11.3 shots on goal per game in its previous three contests. The Skyhawks were able to hold the Cougars well below their season averages in both categories, allowing two goals along with just 10 shot attempts and four shots on goal.
UTM’s offense struggled in the rainy conditions, managing eight shot attempts while placing just one on goal. Senior Jaden Hildreth paced the team with three shots on the night while placing an attempt on goal in the 24th minute.
The Skyhawks thought they scored an early goal in the contest to spark the team’s night as Emely van der Vliet found the back of the net in the 18th minute but the goal would be wiped away after the fact when an offside was called.
SIUE found their first goal of the night in the 48th minute as reigning OVC Player of the Week Mackenzi Litzsinger scored her fifth goal of the season unassisted. The Cougars would then add another goal in the 64th minute as Litzsinger and Lil Schnieders set up Angel Ikeda for her first goal of the year.
UTM will return to action on Tuesday, March 16 with another road matchup at Morehead State. Action is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
