JONESBORO, Ark. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville kicked off the women's soccer exhibition season Saturday, dropping a 3-0 decision at Arkansas State.

"We didn't play well but we didn't play 3-0 bad," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton. "The good thing is they didn't break us down. We just didn't play sharp enough."

SIUE and Arkansas State played a modified game consisting of three, 30-minute periods. Arkansas State scored twice in the second period on goals by Ashley McMurtry and Miranda Wiley. Tory Pitts added a goal at 65:32 in the third period.

The Cougars garnered more shots than their competitors with a 12-10 advantage. Freshman Meagan Iffrig (St. Charles, Mo.) led the Cougars with five shots overall.

"That's going to be a regular thing," said Burton. "She'll be dangerous for us."

Having another weapon on the offensive end should provide more opportunities for the Cougars. SIUE opens the regular season Friday with a 7 p.m. game at home against South Dakota.

Burton said the Cougars had a number of encouraging things happen in Saturday's exhibition. One was the back line of the Cougars who were solid in the flow of play. The problems that occurred in Arkansas State's scoring are simply things that will need to be worked out on the practice field.

"I'm not worried about the score. I'm worried about how they scored," Burton added.

Burton said Saturday's "glorified exhibition" game the Cougars a glimpse into what needs work. "If we had won 3-0, I would have said the same thing," he said.

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