SOPHOMORE DAY ENDS WITH A TIE VS #11 INDIAN HILLS

Robinson, IL - On Saturday the 30th your Statesmen played their last home game of the regular season as they took on a top 15 opponent in the #11 ranked Warriors from Indian Hills Community College. The Statesmen also honored their departing sophomores before the game which added to the already heightened emotions for the contest.  

The Warriors were coming off a huge win vs the Statesmen's regional rival ICC (beating them 7-2 at home) and another big win vs. Iowa Western who at the time was ranked 6th in the nation. But the Statesmen had their own momentum coming into the game, looking to maintain an undefeated record at home as they have made Statesmen Park a fortress, outscoring opponents 23/4 on their home field.  

With the momentum coming in from both sides, the game immediately started off hot as each team did their best to force their style of play. The Statesmen were also testing out a new system as they started the game with 3 defenders on the backline unlike their usual 4 that we have been accustomed to throughout the season.  

The shift in formation proved yet another excellent tactical adjustment made by the Statesmen as it matched up perfectly against the Warriors own defensive set up of 5 defenders at the back. The shift allowed your Statesmen to dominate the middle of the pitch for much of the first half while allowing the attacking players to press high consistently resulting in many chances that were saved or sent wide.  

The score would be deadlocked at 0-0 going into the half as both teams pushed to find the first breakthrough on the score sheet. The Statesmen also faced a major potential setback as starting center back #5 Guilherme Alves limped off injured at half and it was decided he was unfit to return to play. However, this gave the Statesmen the opportunity to adjust back into that 4 at the back formation you all have grown to recognize AND give an opportunity for #6 Diego Olguin and #23 Vasco Bernardes to play together on the backline.  

The Statesmen would start the second half with this pair at CB and #4 Mateus Moura at RB with #3 Sergio Alvarez at Left back. This was more comfortable for the Statesmen, but they were able to shift in and out of the 4 and 3 at the back formations more freely throughout the second half as they continued the surge for that first goal of the day. The Warriors were on the hunt as well as they did their best to test the new center back pairing, breaking through the lines several times and forcing excellent saves from #1 Gonzalo Onrubia who yet again came up big for the Statesmen keeping a clean sheet on the day! 

#9 Guilherme Melchiori and #11 Tomas Bascon did their best to push the back line of the Warriors and force mistakes through high pressure and a constant physical presence but unfortunately neither were able to score on the day as the contest ended in a 0-0 tie. The Statesmen fought to the final whistle and though they were unable to get the victory, they were able to ensure a clean regular season record at home as they went undefeated at home and put in a great effort against a strong nationally ranked opponent.  

The Statesmen will look to get back on the winning trail as the travel Wednesday to take on Oaklan City University for the second time this season.  

As always thank you for your support and GO Statesmen! 

#RollTrail!