Aug. 22, 2009
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The men's soccer exhibition season ended Saturday, and the biggest winner appeared to be the defense.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and UIC (Illinois-Chicago), ranked No. 11 in the nation during the preseason by the College Soccer News, battled to a 0-0 tie at Korte Stadium. The two teams decided not to play overtime for the exhibition game.
SIUE coach Kevin Kalish said the Cougars were excited for the challenge of a ranked and very confident UIC team.
"This year is all about challenging ourselves and seeing how good we can be," said Kalish.
The two teams appeared even by virtually every account. UIC edged the Cougars in shots 9-8. SIUE goalkeeper Scott Meyer recorded three saves while UIC goalkeepers Jovan Bobonja and Steve Purdy each finished with one.
Even the corner kicks were even with both teams tallying four.
SIUE's back line of Myles Hensler (Maryville), Zach Bauer (St. Louis), Ben Hemkens (Eureka, Mo.) and Nash Maduekwe (St. Louis) held their own in keeping the Flames at bay. Both teams controlled the tempo at different times of the game.
"We were happy with the performance tonight. We were real happy with the effort from the guys," Kalish said. "Overall it was a good team effort."
Both teams' opportunities came late in the game. Randy Roy (St. Louis) recorded a pair of shots late, including a header off a corner kick.
UIC's chances were dangerous for SIUE's defense. Matt Spiess had a break-away with two defenders just on his heels with seven minutes to play. His shot found the arms of an outstretched Meyer about 10 yards from the goal.
UIC's Moriba Diallo also missed a golden opportunity with less than five minutes left. He hit the side of the net from about 10 yards out.
SIUE now takes to the road for its first game of the 2009 season. SIUE faces off at Evansville at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1. Evansville will be a Missouri Valley Conference opponent for the Cougars next season.
