Blueboys blank Eutectics; UHSP visits Blackburn Wed.

(Photo courtesy of Makenzie Ness)

JACKSONVILLE, IL - The Eutectics took to the road Sunday afternoon trying to get in the win column. The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy came into the contest 0-2-1 while Illinois College was 2-2. A pair of first half goals in the opening 28 minutes gave the Blueboys a lead as they would go on to a 3-0 win over the Eutectics.

UHSP freshman goaltender Jack Wolfe was tested immediately as Reed Rogers forced Wolfe to make his first save less than two minutes into the contest. Less than a minute later, Jason Hernandez ripped one towards the cage, but it sailed wide right. The game was scoreless when the two clubs traded corner kicks sandwiched around the ten minute mark, but the Blueboys struck for the game's first goal off their second corner kick as Albert Nimako buried one assisted by Hernandez and it was 1-0 Illinois College.

Grant Woodard threatened to tie the game at 21:35 with the Eutectics' first shot on goal, but IC netminder TJ Esseily was able to make the save. Four and a half minutes later, Reed Rogers would this time get the better of Wolfe with a goal to put the Blueboys on top 2-0.

Following that goal, the Eutectics turned up the heat unloading four shots in a three minute and ten second span, three of which were on goal. Esseily made saves on shots from Woodard, Alvaro Montijano and the final save off a Caden Grither shot set up off a corner kick. Esseily's performance ensured that Illinois College took a 2-0 lead to the half.

In the second half, things stayed 2-0 as Wolfe kept the Eutectics in it, making seven saves over the first 41 minutes of the half. Grant Woodard sent a ball high with three and half left in the game that would have cut it to a one goal game. Just under a minute later, Eric Espinoza ended all doubt burying one off a Hernandez pass to send Illinois College to a 3-0 win.

The Blueboys outshot the Eutectics, 21-10 including 11-5 in shots on goal. Jack Wolfe made eight saves for UHSP with TJ Esseily making five for IC. UHSP (0-3) returns to the pitch on Wednesday on the road when they visit Blackburn.