QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University men's soccer team will host No. 13 Missouri S&T on Saturday at 3:30 PM at Legends Stadium in a matchup featuring two of the GLVC's strongest defensive teams.

The Hawks enter the contest with a 2-1-2 overall record and a 1-0-1 mark in conference play after earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Indianapolis on Wednesday. Missouri S&T comes in unbeaten at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in GLVC action following a 2-0 victory over William Jewell.

While both teams have demonstrated the ability to score, the statistics suggest this matchup may ultimately be decided by which offense can crack the opposing defense.

Last Time Out

Quincy battled back for a 1-1 draw against Indianapolis on Wednesday at Legends Stadium.

After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Hawks responded with a much stronger attacking effort in the second half, recording six shots after managing only one in the opening 45 minutes.

The pressure paid off in the 77th minute when Josh Nwosu converted a penalty kick to level the match. Quincy continued to push for a winner late but could not find a second goal.

Jake Offerman made two saves in the second half and finished with three for the match, while UIndy's goalkeeper denied opportunities from Rylan Fischer, Leo Cann and Riley White to preserve the draw.

The result followed Quincy's 2-0 road victory over McKendree in its conference opener, where Mathias Bringedal and Cann each found the back of the net.

Quincy Offense vs. Missouri S&T Defense

One of the most intriguing storylines entering Saturday is whether Quincy's attack can solve a Missouri S&T defense that has been nearly untouchable through four matches.

The Hawks have scored 10 goals this season and average 2.0 goals per game. Cann leads the team with four goals and 20 shots, including a hat trick against St. Cloud State earlier this season. Bringedal and Nwosu have added two goals each.

Quincy has consistently generated chances, averaging 13.6 shots per game and placing more than 41 percent of its attempts on target.

Missouri S&T, however, has allowed just one goal all season.

That lone goal came in the opening five minutes of the Miners' season opener against Northeastern State. Since then, Missouri S&T has shut out Davenport, Upper Iowa, and William Jewell, entering Saturday on a scoreless streak approaching four full matches.

Saturday's match could come down to whether Quincy can create enough quality chances to test a defense that has shut down nearly every opponent it has faced.

Quincy Defense Has Been Strong Too

While much of the attention will be focused on Missouri S&T's defense, the Hawks have quietly been one of the conference's stronger defensive teams as well.

Quincy has allowed only five goals through five matches while recording a shutout victory over McKendree and limiting opponents to just a .075 shooting percentage.

Offerman has collected 18 saves this season with a .857 save percentage and a 0.75 goals-against average. He has helped the Hawks remain competitive in every match while recording his first shutout of the season against McKendree.

That defensive consistency could be critical against a Missouri S&T offense averaging 2.5 goals per game.

Series History

Saturday will mark the 27th meeting between Quincy and Missouri S&T, with the Hawks holding a 17-5-4 advantage in the all-time series.

Quincy has also been strong against the Miners at home, posting a 9-2-2 record at home.

In conference matchups, the Hawks hold an 11-3-4 advantage over Missouri S&T.

The Miners earned one of those victories last season, defeating Quincy 1-0 at Legends Stadium. Missouri S&T scored the lone goal on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute and held the Hawks to just three shots, including one on goal.

Jake Offerman matched a career high with eight saves in the loss.

Scouting Missouri S&T

The Miners enter Saturday ranked No. 13 in the latest United Soccer Coaches national poll, their highest national ranking since reaching No. 7 during the 2011 season.

Missouri S&T is unbeaten through four matches and has outscored opponents 10-1.

The offense is led by Mike Banasik, who has scored three goals this season and was named GLVC Offensive Player of the Week following his strong opening weekend.

Kellen Douglas has added two goals, while Joao Vieira returns after earning First Team All-GLVC and D2CCA Second Team All-Midwest Region honors last season.

Defensively, goalkeeper Cavitt Bruhn has recorded 10 saves while the Miners' back line has consistently prevented opponents from generating dangerous opportunities.

Missouri S&T's most impressive offensive performance came in a 5-0 victory over Davenport on August 29, when the Miners outshot the Panthers 29-9 and put 14 attempts on goal.

The Miners followed that performance with consecutive shutouts of Upper Iowa and William Jewell to begin GLVC play 2-0.

Matchup Outlook

Saturday's contest features one of the best attacking teams Quincy has faced this season against one of the strongest defensive units in the conference.

For the Hawks, the key will be turning possession and shot opportunities into quality scoring chances against a defense that has surrendered just one goal all year.

For Missouri S&T, maintaining its defensive discipline while creating opportunities for Banasik, Vieira and the rest of the attack will be the priority.

Quincy's defense has been difficult to break down as well, allowing just five goals through five matches and only one across its first two GLVC contests.

With both teams entering among the conference leaders defensively and neither side giving up many goals, Saturday's matchup has the feel of a game where a single moment could determine the outcome.

Kickoff between Quincy and No. 13 Missouri S&T is scheduled for 3:30 PM Saturday, September 12, at Legends Stadium.

GLVCSN
Live Stats
Box Score vs. Indianapolis