The Spalding University men's soccer team beat Illinois College in their home opener, 3-1. The Golden Eagles put away two goals in the first half before Illinois College pulled to within 2-1 soon after the start of the second half. Jacob McMurry was able to seal the win with a wonder strike late in the game. Abdullahi Abdullahi and Cory House scored for Spalding in the first half.
 
The Golden Eagles were able to impose their brand of soccer in the first half, which allowed for the Spalding attack to get off 12 shots. The first dangerous chance of the game occurred just a few moments after kickoff when Jacob McMurry was able to get to the end line and get off a threatening cross that was corralled by the Illinois College goalkeeper. Spalding continued to apply pressure before finally breaking through with Abdullahi Abdullahi's goal in the 25^th minute.
 
Deron Buehner started the sequence of possession that led to Abdullahi's goal by collecting a loose ball in the defensive third. Buehner found McMurry near midfield. McMurry was able to turn and spot Julio De Leon out in space near the right sideline. De Leon dribbled towards the end line, beating a couple of defenders along the way before snapping the ball across the face of the goal on to the foot of a sprinting Abdullahi. The ball was punished into the back of the net, putting Spalding in front 1-0.
 
In the 32^nd minute, the Illinois College attack tested Spalding goalkeeper Mike Salamon with a long-range strike. The volley from roughly 30 yards out was headed towards the upper corner of the goal. Salamon was able to make a leaping dive to his left to push the ball out for a corner kick. The ensuing corner kick was cleared out of the area allowing for Spalding to maintain a 1-0 lead.
 
Not long after Salamon's big save, the Golden Eagles were able to add to their lead off a set piece in the 37^th minute. De Leon earned a free kick after being fouled on the left side of the attacking third. The ensuing free kick swung in by De Leon went through the outstretched arms of the Illinois College goalkeeper and found Cory House on the far post. House was able to tuck away the cross from De Leon to increase the margin to 2-0. The game entered halftime with Spalding holding a 2-0 lead.
 
In the 50^th minute, Illinois College was able to cut the score to 2-1. A long throw-in was taken from the right side of the field. The ball bounced off of multiple players before popping out on the backside. Illinois College was able to put away the loose ball to cut into the Golden Eagles lead.
 
Another fantastic sequence of possession from the Spalding attack almost resulted in the Golden Eagles third goal of the game in the 61^st minute. Abdullahi created a turnover in the defensive third and was able to carry the ball out of danger. Abdullahi was able to find Aden Abdirahman up ahead of him. Abdirahman held the ball before playing it back to Joey Lesher in the center of the pitch. Lesher immediately found McMurry to his right. McMurry received the pass, looked up, took a few touches towards goal, and then fired a shot from 30 yards out. McMurry's shot barely went over the crossbar after taking a dip towards the end of its flight.
 
After being disappointed in his previous attempt from distance, McMurry and the entire Spalding sideline was thoroughly pleased with his next effort. In the 88^th minute, McMurry received a throw-in from Cory House on the left side of the attacking third. McMurry was able to turn and split two defenders before roofing a smash into the goal from just outside of the 18-yard box. Spalding's lead grew to 3-1 and would remain there until the final whistle.
 
Mike Salamon made his first start of the season and earned the win in goal making four saves during the contest. The Spalding attack managed to outshoot Illinois College 21-12. The Golden Eagles record now stands at 5-2.
 
The Spalding University men's soccer team returns to action on Sunday, September 21 against Berea College. It is the second match of a four game home stand for the Golden Eagles. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM EST at Champions Trace.