The evening air over Edwardsville was thick with heat and humidity as Valparaiso University’s men’s soccer squad traveled to face Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A sudden summer thunderstorm forced a 45‑minute delay, but the match eventually got underway under a heavy sky.
Early Sparks
Valpo struck first in the 34th minute when Sofia Raco met a set‑piece delivery with a crisp volley that nestled into the net. The early lead was short‑lived, however, as Daisy Boardman’s first‑time strike from a corner soon after added another blow to the home side’s defense.
The Crusaders answered back in the 52nd minute when Zeniyah Russell broke through SIUE’s pressure to restore Valpo’s lead. Yet the visitors could not hold the advantage; in the 81st minute Carson Bohnenstiehl’s shot took a decisive deflection off Adria Schultz before crossing the line, leveling the score at 2‑2.
Numbers Tell the Story
Despite the late equaliser, Valpo’s defensive unit remained busy. Goalkeeper Adria Schultz made seven saves in her second collegiate start, while Kiara Desiderio and Daisy Boardman also contributed to the backline’s effort. SIUE outshot Valpo 18‑10, generated 11 shots on goal and earned 11 corner kicks to Valpo’s four.
What’s Next
Coach John Marovich praised the team’s attacking intent in the first half, noting that the side’s resilience after early setbacks was a bright spot. ‘We created chances and kept pushing,’ he said, even as the match’s weather interruptions tested both squads. The result marks the first time since October 2024 that SIUE failed to win a game in which it scored at least two goals, snapping a streak that had seen the Beacons dominate in recent outings. Valpo, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in its last 33 matches when scoring two or more goals. Looking ahead, Valpo will host Western Illinois on August 20 at 7 p.m. in its home opener, hoping to build on the momentum generated by a gritty performance on the road.