EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Peter Kelly scored his third game-winning goal of the season Saturday as SIUE blanked Dayton 1-0 at Korte Stadium.

SIUE, ranked No. 25 in the College Soccer News national poll, defeated another nationally-ranked opponent with the win. SIUE improved to 7-2 overall and continues to lead the Missouri Valley Conference in victories. Dayton, now 6-2, entered the match ranked No. 20 in the nation by Soccer America.

It was the second straight game-winning goal for Kelly who had scored the game winner earlier in the week at Green Bay. The Cougar senior connected at 74:19 from 25 yards out, striking just inside the right post past Dayton goalkeeper Chris Froschauer.

"Peter comes through big in big games. He played well tonight. His movement was good, and the finish was quite good as well," said SIUE Head Coach Kevin Kalish.

The Cougars' defense has shut out all three of its opponents at Korte Stadium and now has six shutouts for the season. Kent Kobernus picked up the win in goal for the Cougars and finished with two saves.

"I thought we had a pretty mature performance overall. I thought we showed a lot of patience when in possession," said Kalish. "Our ball circulation was quite good. I thought our ball speed was good. We picked the right moments to penetrate and create chances."

The Cougars opened up the game in dominant fashion with two shots in the first 90 seconds of play and the first five of the contest. SIUE would outshoot the visiting Flyers 16-7.

Kevin Stoll led the Cougars with four shots, including one in the second half that rocked the crossbar.

"Overall I was very pleased," said Kalish. "Dayton is a good team. They defend well, and it was just going to be a matter of time before we finished one."

A crowd of 1,266 enjoyed the festivities. The fans included several members of the 1997 SIUE men's soccer team that finished with an 18-2-1 record. The team was honored in a special ceremony at halftime.

"It's a lot of work from a lot of people. Soccer is important here at SIUE. We're happy to carry the banner; to continue to do well here at Korte and also on a national level," said Kalish.