Box Score EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The SIUE men's soccer team prevailed in its second and final exhibition match of the 2013 preseason, defeating IUPUI 1-0 at Korte Stadium Friday night.
The lone goal of the game came late in the second half when the Cougars' Matt Polster converted from the penalty spot after Christian Volesky was fouled in the area.
Goalkeepers John Berner and Kent Kobernus each played a half for the Cougars, combining to post the second shutout in as many games for SIUE.
"We found a way to get the result and get the victory," Head Coach Kevin Kalish said. "Another clean sheet is something to build on, and we're continuing to build our team fitness as we prepare for the regular season. There were also a few good individual performances tonight."
The first half of play featured quality scoring chances at both ends, but neither team could find the net as the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
The Cougars turned up the pressure on the IUPUI defense in the second half, and it paid off in the 73rd minute when the hosts took the lead.
Volesky was brought down in the penalty box with the ball at his feet, and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Polster stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, burying the spot kick to give SIUE the 1-0 advantage.
The Cougar defense took it from there, stopping several Jaguar long throws and set pieces in the game's final moments to preserve the victory.
"I felt that we dealt with their long throws and restarts well enough," Kalish said. "That's a big part of college soccer, and if we're going to win games we have to be consistent in that area."
SIUE will now begin preparing for its regular season opener at Santa Clara Friday at 9 p.m. CT. The match will be the first of a two-game California road trip that also includes a match at San Jose State Sunday afternoon.
"We've shown glimpses of what we're capable of, but now it's about putting the minutes together and putting more complete games together," Kalish added. "The guys have bought in and they're working hard. Hopefully we can go out to California and play at the level that's expected within our program."
