Clark Posts Shutout as Roos Sneak Past EIU

Saturday, October 22

Charleston, IL

1:00 PM

Kansas City

5-4-3, 3-1-2

Eastern Illinois

1-9-3, 0-5-1

Kansas City

Eastern Ill.

Photo by: Ryan Weaver Photography

Clark Posts Shutout as Roos Sneak Past EIU

10/22/2022 4:52:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Cooper Clark made eight saves on the day and Christian Koffi had his third game-winner of the year

CHARLESTON, Ill. - Cooper Clark had his best day of the season in goal, leading Kansas City Men's Soccer to a 1-0 victory over Eastern Illinois. Clark made eight saves in the net and Christian Koffi had the game-winner to lead KC.

KEY MOMENTS

8' / 0-0 | The Roos built pressure early with Camden Baker, Bryson Gosch and Koffi all placing shots on goal within the span of four minutes.
16' / 0-0 | Clark was called into action for the second time on the day, making a save on the shot by EIU's Sam Eccles.
29' / 0-0 | Luke Hoelting drew a foul a yard outside the top of the box, setting up a dangerous free kick opportunity for Kansas City. Kotaro Hirokawa stepped up to take the kick, sending a bouncing ball just wide of the right post.
34' / 1-0 | Kansas City earned a corner kick, which Hirokawa set up for quickly. He sent a looping ball to the near post, finding the head of Koffi, who rose above the crowd and knocked the ball into the back of the net.

Would love to see the celly pics that Carson got there ??#ROOUP | #DeclareKC https://t.co/WkMY5UgTHr pic.twitter.com/9jpkHxbNu1
— Kansas City Men's Soccer (@KCRoosMSoccer) October 22, 2022

43' / 1-0 | The Roos were looking for another scoring opportunity from the corner as Hirokawa found Carson Lindsey on the back post, but his header missed the mark.
61' / 1-0 | Cade Martin sent a free kick towards a streaking Philipp Basara, who was ahead of the back line, forcing EIU's Chad Smith to emerge from the net. Basara attempted a chip shot, but Smith lept up and blocked the ball away.
68' / 1-0 | A mishap by the Roos left EIU with a dangerous opportunity, as the Panthers' Lesego Maloma sent a shot towards goal. Clark came to the edge of the six-yard box, sliding and making a save with his legs.

68' | A dangerous chance for the Panthers, but a great read by @cooper_clark01 to come out for his 7?th save of the day.#ROOUP | #DeclareKC pic.twitter.com/IIKUe7vxbM
— Kansas City Men's Soccer (@KCRoosMSoccer) October 22, 2022

79' / 1-0 | Yahel Anderson-Gonzalez centered a ball to Luke Hoelting at the top of the box, who sent a shot that was saved by a diving Smith. Asier Olano had another chance just moments later, but it was blocked by the defense.
88' / 1-0 | Clark made his final save of the game in the match's waning moments, securing the shutout victory for KC.

STATS TO NOTE

With his fourth goal of the season, Koffi ties Kazuki Kimura for the team-lead. Three of his goals have been game-winners, which leads the Summit League.
Hirokawa assisted on the goal, his fourth of the year. That mark ties Koffi for the most on the team and is tied for the fourth-most in the Summit.
Clark's eight saves were his second-most on the season and the most in a winning effort. He has three shutouts on the year, second-most in the Summit and tied for the most in a season in his career.
Eight different Roos attempted a shot on the day, led by Koffi and Kimura with three each.
Hirokawa, Martin and Seth Kacich all played the full 90 minutes for KC.

COACH RYAN PORE, QUOTED

"I'm proud of the guys for finding a way to grind out a result. I have to give EIU credit, as they played with a sense of urgency that we struggled to match at times. It's never easy coming here to secure three points, and I'm happy we did that. I thought Cooper, once again, showed why he's the best goalkeeper in the conference. He was a rock for us today. We certainly have to get better, luckily we finish with three-straight at home."

UP NEXT
The Roos begin their streak of three-straight home games to end the regular season with a non-conference matchup against Central Arkansas on Tuesday at 6 p.m.