Box Score PEORIA, Ill. - Wojciech Wojcik scored the game winner just more than two minutes into overtime as Bradley edged SIUE 2-1 in Missouri Valley Conference men's soccer action.
Bradley, 9-3-2 overall and 1-1 in the MVC, had to come from behind in the match. The Cougars scored at the 29:35 mark of the first half as Jack Twellman scored his ninth of the season on a penalty kick.
SIUE, now 7-4-3 overall and 1-1-1 in the MVC, held the lead until midway through the second half when Bryan Gaul tied the game 1-1 with an unassisted goal at 69:24.
Wojcik would score the game winner at 92:23 by connecting at the near post on a header. Off a throw-in near SIUE's goal, Ross Williams and Christian Meza were awarded assists on the play. A close game appears to be the norm for the Braves, which have now had 13 consecutive games decided by a single goal.
SIUE had its opportunities led by Twellman. The Cougar senior picked up six of SIUE's 12 shots in the contest, including one that hit the post at the 62:23 that nearly put the Cougars up by two goals.
"He's just our most creative player at the moment. He's playing at an extremely high level," said SIUE Head Coach Kevin Kalish.
Bradley outshot the Cougars 20-12 overall, including eight shots by Meza and five from Gaul. SIUE was ahead in shots at halftime 8-5. "We had a lot of chances to put the game away," said Kalish.
Kalish said the difference between the first and the second half is depth. SIUE has been hit hard with injuries of late and have others who are playing with injuries.
"It's hard to maintain a high level of play for 90 minutes with several guys playing a lot of minutes," he added.
Scott Meyer picked up five saves in the net for the Cougars. Bradley's Brian Billings collected four saves.
Kalish also noted the strong play of midfielder Brian Groark and the consistent level of play from back Ryan Wilhelm.
The Cougars continue the road trip with a Wednesday meeting at Drake. The Cougars and the Bulldogs face off at 7 p.m. in a key MVC matchup.
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