EDWARDSVILLE -- Break out the serving trays. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be the host of the 2001 Great Lakes Valley Conference men's soccer tournament.
         SIUE, ranked No. 11 in the NSCAA/NCAA Division II poll, clinched the No. 1 seed Sunday by defeating 17th-ranked Wisconsin-Parkside 2-1 in double overtime at Bob Guelker Field. Justin McMillian scored from two yards out on a pass from David Mwendapole at 106:54.
         SIUE is now 14-1-2 overall and 9-0-1 in the GLVC. Lewis can earn a similar 9-0-1 record with a makeup game win against Saint Joseph's on Tuesday. However, SIUE has clinched the top seed due to goal differential in GLVC competition.
         The Cougars started with strong defense Sunday, stopping Wisconsin-Parkside from taking any shots in the first half. SIUE outshot UWP 19-7 overall.
         In the second half, UWP's Seth Pearson scored at 62:01 on his team's first shot.
         The Cougars did not score until 83:19 when Ryan Stoddart connected on a pass from Chris Knopp. It was especially satisfying for Stoddart to score the goal as he had just received the prestigious Jack Blake Award during a halftime ceremony.
         With a 1-1 tie, SIUE kept the pressure on and finally scored as McMillian battled with UWP goalkeeper Thom Peer in the box. As Peer and McMillian both fell, McMillian regained his composure and guided the ball into the net for the game winner. It was only the second time this season that Peer has given up more than one goal in a game. Both were in losses.
         SIUE still has one more game before the GLVC Tournament. The Cougars travel to Missouri-Rolla for a 7 p.m. game on Oct. 26.
         The GLVC Tournament at SIUE is set for Nov. 3 and 4. The quarterfinals are at the home site of the second, third and fourth seeds in the seven-team tournament. SIUE plays host to the final four teams at Bob Guelker Field. The Cougars will be looking for their second GLVC title, having previously won in 1997.
                  -siue-