Nov. 14, 2009

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - For a pair of men's soccer teams about to enter the Missouri Valley Conference, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Central Arkansas played a typical conference-type match.

Central Arkansas, 7-7-1, edged the Cougars Saturday in a 1-0 victory at Korte Stadium. SIUE completed its 2009 schedule with a 5-9-3 record. Both squads will be eligible for the NCAA postseason in 2010 and will be competing for a Missouri Valley Conference crown.

SIUE Coach Kevin Kalish saluted his seniors that have helped build the foundation in SIUE men's soccer's return to Division I status.

"It was a tough game," said Kalish. "I just want to thank the seniors Zach Bauer, Myles Hensler, Ben Hemkens and Dustin Attarian for what they've done for our program."

Chris Deaville scored from 10 yards out at 73:50 with an assist from Bryce Stockman. Ivan Zarate collected the shutout and seven saves for the Bears. Scott Meyer and Nick Collico shared time in goal for SIUE.

The close game featured SIUE outshooting Central Arkansas 11-9.

"It's been the story of our season. Right now, we're not good enough in the offensive third of the field to score goals. That's been our Achilles' heel, and it came back to bite us today," Kalish said.

Midfielder Randy Roy led SIUE with three shots while Jose Tamayo added two.

"Every game is going to be a difficult game at Division I. We have to be at our best every time we step on the field," Kalish said.

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