With the MVC quarterfinals out of the way, third-seeded Missouri State (6–9–4) and either the fourth-seeded Aces (9–7–1) or the fifth-seeded Bradley (6–11–1) moved on to tomorrow’s semifinals.
MSU was able to beat Eastern Illinois 4–1 Wednesday before heavy rain delayed UE’s game against BU. Play was to resume yesterday.
Less than two weeks after defeating the Braves 2–1 in overtime, the Aces played them again.
“We played them 11 days ago, which is great because it was still fresh in our minds,” midfielder Reggie Edu said. “It was just remembering tactics and marking off [forward] David Buckenheimer, their leading scorer. It was us moving quickly when they’re man-marking us. We’ve got to look more for every shot. Shoot more from 30-yards out and follow with the rebound.”
Results of this game were unavailable at press time, but one thing is certain: UE or BU has a serious task ahead as one will face No. 2 Creighton—the first seed—today at McCutchan.
For the Aces, the last time the two met, CU forward Andrei Gotsmanov scored in the final minute of regulation to give his team a 3–2 win over UE. He is tied for 17th in the nation in goals per game, averaging .69.
“If we all come in with the right mindset and stick to our roles, we’ll be all right,” Edu said. “The only thing that has changed now is the stakes.”
Another addition to yesterday’s game was the offensive presence of forward Mike Luttrull, who has been sidelined with an injury.
“Having Mike back is a plus,” Edu said.
UE is 8–3 when Luttrull starts and 1–4–1 when not in the lineup. And his scoring abilities will be required as Bluejays goalkeeper Brian Holt has the seventh lowest goals against average in the nation (.487), with 11 total shutouts and allowing only seven total goals this season.
Coach Mike Jacobs said the familiarity of playing conference opponents is an advantage.
“What helps about the MVC Tournament is that we’re all playing opponents for a second time,” he said. “We all have recent scouting videos. These games are fresh in our minds. We know what worked and what didn’t.”
Being such a close first game last time, it is possible the second will go into overtime.
“I think our guys have confidence that we can go the distance with anyone we play against,” Jacobs said. “We’ve had three overtime matches this season and have played well in all of them.”
Because the game cannot end in a draw, penalty kicks follow the two overtimes. Edu said UE’s experience with penalty kicks is good preparation going into the game.
“We’ve practiced penalty kicks a few times,” he said. “Hopefully we can avoid it, but if it comes to that, I think we’re ready.”
Jacobs said it comes down to being prepared.
“We’ve gotta be mentally disciplined and physically fit,” he said.
