For the first time this season, the men’s soccer team found itself on the winning side of the match. They hosted the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Wednesday evening at Strassweg Field. Both teams needed a win, as the Fighting Engineers lost their previous two games, and the Screaming Eagles looked to break their seven-game losing streak. 

Both teams found potential scoring opportunities early on in the game, but USI’s Jackson Mitchell, sophomore forward, was the first and only player to find the back of the net. Nearly 38 minutes into the first half, Mitchell found himself head-to-head with Rose-Hulman’s senior goalkeeper, John Biederstedt, which led to a breakaway goal.

David Davila, freshman forward, and Garland Hall, senior midfielder, assisted the goal. 

Garrett Morris saw a chance to add to the score a minute later, but the shot missed. Frustration continued to build within Rose-Hulman’s team as USI kept possession in the final minute of the first half. 

Heading into the second half ahead, the Screaming Eagles did not let off the gas. 

USI held Rose-Hulman to only one shot compared to USI’s 12. While the offense was firing off shots, Andrew Klott, sophomore goalkeeper, made crucial saves throughout the game to keep the Screaming Eagles ahead. Even though USI saw many opportunities to lengthen its lead, its efforts were insufficient. 

In the end, USI won 1-0, but they don’t have long to celebrate their first win, as they look to face Eastern Illinois University at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Hopefully, this win will get the team going as they continue to play in Ohio Valley Conference matches.