EDWARDSVILLE - Will Nativi scored in the first half of extra time, and Ben Lovell added on an insurance goal right before full time to give Edwardsville a 3-1 boys soccer win over Belleville East in a Southwestern Conference match Thursday night, Oct. 1, 2026, at Tiger Stadium.
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It was Senior Night for the Tigers also, and in the annual pregame ceremonies. the Edwardsville Class of 2027 --- Drew McFarland, Brandon Morris, Owen Chitwood, Brayden Berg, Lovell, Caden Jasutis, Jackson Lifritz, Jared Ge, Matthew Cobb, Teagan Rogers, Kaveen Shrestha, Ayden Anderson, Ben Reader, and Max Balentine --- and their families were all honored, saluted, and thanked for their contributions to the Tigers' program.
With the win, the Tigers stay in contention for at least a share of the conference crown with a key home match against Triad coming up on Tuesday night.
Morris opened the scoring after 10 minutes when he took a through ball and slotted home to give Edwardsville the lead at 1-0. A late goal from the penalty spot allowed the Lancers to equalize at 1-1, and that's how things stood at the end of regulation time, forcing 20 minutes of extra time to decide the game.
Nativi put Edwardsville back on top when he took a cross and scored to give the Tigers the 2-1 lead. Lovell slotted home just before the death to give the Tigers the 3-1 win, picking up a vital three points.
East is now 5-8-1, and next plays at home against Civic Memorial in a 9 a.m. kickoff, then hosts O'Fallon in their conference finale Tuesday at 6:45 p.m., then is at Wentzville, Mo. Holt Oct. 8 in a 6 p.m. start
Edwardsville improves to 9-5-1, and plays their big game against Triad Tuesday night at home in a 6:30 p.m. start, then plays their final regular-season home match against Springfield Oct. 10 at 1 p.m., then concludes the regular season Oct. 12 at Normal Community West in a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.
