Oct. 9, 2009

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Chris Anzalone buried a shot from five yards out Friday night as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville collected a 1-0 homecoming victory over Alabama A&M.

It was the second straight win for the Cougars and the second straight shutout for SIUE goalkeeper Scott Meyer. The Cougars improved to 4-5-1 in front of a boisterous crowd of 1,425 at Korte Stadium.

"Our team was excited about the amount of students at the game. It was a great environment," said SIUE Coach Kevin Kalish.

The winning goal, scored at 65:17, was set up when Kevin Bielicki stole pass from the left side of the box about 25 yards out. He blasted a shot which Alabama A&M goalkeeper Paul Musoke made a great save on. Musoke blocked the ball , and it landed just in front of the goal. Anzalone sprinted to the ball and easily found the back of the net.

SIUE dominated play with a 17-6 edge in shots. The Cougars picked up three each from Anzalone, Bielicki, and Randy Roy. Rogers Atugonza led the Bulldogs with three shots.

Kalish took a more analytical approach to the contest. Because of wet field conditions, his team was forced to take a little bit off of some of its passes.

"I was happy to get the win, but we have played better in other outings," he said.

The Cougars held a 6-2 edge in shots by halftime but seemed to take their offensive game to another level to start the second 45 minutes.

"In the second half, we came out with more intensity," Kalish said.

The Cougars now return to the road Sunday to face Cleveland State, which enters the game with a 3-5-3 record including a 2-0 loss at Ohio State. SIUE tied Ohio State earlier this season 0-0. Sunday's game time is set for 1 p.m. ET in Cleveland.