EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Peter Kelly and Matt Polster each scored while Scott Meyer recorded his third shutout of the season as SIUE men's soccer blanked Evansville 2-0 at Korte Stadium.

SIUE made homecoming into a joyous experience for the 2,554 fans Saturday night. The Cougars opened the Missouri Valley Conference season with a win and improved its overall record to 7-3-2.

"We really wanted to get after them the first 15 (minutes). I think our team was prepared well. The seniors really stepped up and set the tone. The first 15 really set the tone for the rest of the game," said SIUE Head Coach Kevin Kalish.

The Cougars had the intensity and energy early as Kelly scored his second goal of the season with an assist from Jack Twellman. Kelly carefully planted his left foot into the ball from six yards out past Evansville goalkeeper Eric Teppen after Twellman provided an interior pass from inside the box. The goal came at 4:36.

SIUE went on to lead Evansville, 5-4 overall and 0-1 in MVC play, in shots 11-4 over the first 45 minutes.

After halftime, Evansville put the pressure back on the Cougars

"We tried to match the intensity of the first half," said Kalish. The intensity that was there in the second half for the Cougars was able to take on the force of Evansville's attack as the Purple Aces outshot SIUE in the second half 10-7.

"They're a well-coached team. We knew it wasn't going to be easy," said Kalish. "Any conference game is going to be a dogfight. We did a good job of absorbing the pressure and not giving up any real chances.

Evansville fired numerous hard shots at Meyer, forcing the senior goalkeeper to come up with big saves to secure his 10th career shutout. Meyer finished with eight saves and lowered his season goals against average to 1.03.

"In my opinion, he's the best shot stopper in the country," Kalish said.

The Cougars pushed back in the 80th minute when Nash Maduekwe used the throw-in from the sidelines as a weapon. His throw-in was cleared out by an Evansville defender but right to Polster who settled the back and launched a 20-yarder to the left side of the net.

"Restarts are obviously very important. We have to take our chances when we get them. It was good to see Matt finish that," said Kalish.

The Cougar head coach was particularly pleased with the SIUE fans.

"It's a special night-Homecoming at SIUE. That was a great crowd. It's a great night for our team. I'm happy to get the win," he added. "Anytime you can get a `W', the guys are more upbeat in the locker room. We want to win all of our games at home. We feel like we're very good here at home. Overall I am very happy with the guys."

SIUE continues its MVC homestand with a Wednesday matchup against Central Arkansas. Game time is 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium.

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