Oct. 3, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Peter Kelly's first-half goal was all the Cougars needed as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville defeated IUPU-Indianapolis 1-0 in men's college soccer action.

SIUE won the final contest of a three-game road swing and improved to 3-5-1. IUPU-Indianapolis is now 3-6-1 and continued to slump offensively, having posted three consecutive games without a goal.

The Cougars now return home this Friday to take on Alabama A&M for homecoming. The first touch is set for 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium.

"I hope we can get a good crowd out for the homecoming game and have a great soccer atmosphere," said SIUE Coach Kevin Kalish.

Kelly recorded his second game-winning goal of the season with a first-half score at 38:29. He gathered a centering pass from Nash Maduekwe and scored from 12 yards out.

Kalish said Maduekwe overlapped Jack Twellman in the final third of the field and then provided a good pass to the middle.

"Nash made a great run, and Peter finished it at the near post," said Kalish.

The Cougar defense kept it somewhat simple for goalkeeper Scott Meyer, who recorded one save off 10 IUPUI shots. It was the fourth time this season Meyer has shut out an opponent.

"Scott made a good save on the one save he had to make," Kalish added.

SIUE's offense clicked for 17 shots, including five from Chris Anzalone and three from Kevin Bielicki. The Cougars kept the pressure on IUPUI goalkeeper Alex Mannen, who managed eight saves overall.

Kalish said the team has been playing better of late and are learning their respective roles. He said it has been challenging to play difficult teams on the road.

"You don't necessarily get rewarded for style points," said Kalish.

-siue cougars-