Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. – SIUE women's soccer played Kentucky, the 17th team nationally and the region's No. 3 seed, to a 0-0 tie. Kentucky advanced on penalty kicks 4-2 after playing 110 minutes of scoreless soccer.
"Hats off to Kentucky for hosting us," said Head Coach Derek Burton. "They did a great job all around and they are a talented and fantastic team."
SIUE's object of the game was to play solid defense and look to create chances to score. Goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley notched her 21st career clean sheet and her fifth this year. Pelley saw 31 shots from the Wildcat attack, including eight on goal. She tallied eight saves.
"I can't get past how hard our team played and how they played for each other," said Burton. "We got to a point where we had a chance to advance, and I'm proud of the team and the effort they put in and how they worked for each other."
The Cougar defense defended 18 total corner kicks from the Wildcats, not allowing a single one to translate to a goal.
The Cougars had few chances to score, with only four shots and two on goal. Both shots on goal were from Katye Skrivan.
"We were happy to be here and we enjoyed it, but we were never satisfied," said Burton. "That is extremely gratifying."
SIUE forced the game into penalty kicks. After a miss from Michelle Auer, Rachael Brots and Cory Levels were able to find the back of the net. Taylor Braun saved a shot from Cassidy Sherman while all four Wildcats connected on their penalty kicks, ending the game and advancing Kentucky.
"It feels great to make it here within three years," said Senior Captain Samantha Jones. " I'm so proud of what this team has done. To get to this point is exciting, to make a piece of history for SIUE."
"This shows how we're growing," said Pelley of the game. "People need to take us seriously now. This really puts SIUE on the map."
