With just fewer than four minutes remaining in the opening half, the Tritons (1-3, 0-2 GLVC) knew they had to make a statement.

Enter Arman Kovac, who drilled a shot just inside the left post to give the Tritons the 1-0 lead at halftime.

But the Prairie Stars of the University of Illinois Springfield (3-2, 2-0 GLVC) used that goal as added motive to come out kicking in the final 45 minutes of play as they outlasted the visiting Tritons, 2-1, at home for the GLVC win.

The Stars owned possession throughout the second half, as Rory Carlson curled just outside the right post, connecting for his goal just inside the left post for the host's initial goal just six minutes into the second half.

Approximately seven minutes later, Lars Brinkman's high arching shot tailed its way inside the right post to give UIS game-deciding 2-1 lead.

The Stars sustained the tempo, maximizing the passing lanes and keeping the Tritons on their toes for the duration.

UMSL heads to Lewis (Romeoville, Ill.) Sunday for another GLVC showdown at 2:30 p.m.