Box Score PEORIA, Ill. – Senior Jabari Danzy found the back of the net with less than five minutes remaining Saturday vaulting SIUE men's soccer to a 2-1 road win over Bradley and into a first-place tie in the Missouri Valley Conference.
"In some aspects it was our best game all year," SIUE Head Coach Mario Sanchez said. "We kept our composure and guys continued to do what they needed to do. We played tremendously as the game went on."
The win is the sixth consecutive for the Cougars who improved to 10-3-1 overall and 4-1-0 in MVC play. Bradley fell to 7-8 overall and also are 4-1-0 in MVC play. SIUE plays host Loyola in the MVC finale next Saturday night at Korte Stadium.
"We control our destiny and I think most importantly for us as a program we're starting to show what we're about," Sanchez added. "Not just from our ability but from our attitude and work ethic. Now it is a matter of us maintaining that."
Danzy notched the game-winner in the 85th minute following a free kick near the end line. Ivan Gutierrez delivered a cross and Danzy finished with a header. The goal is the fifth of the year for Danzy and his third in last two matches.
The goal also completed a comeback-win on the road for the Cougars for the second consecutive week.
"The experience of coming back against Drake allowed the guys to stay relaxed," Sanchez said. "There was no panic. Those experiences pay off especially coming to the end of the regular season."
Bradley took an early lead when Alex Garcia connected with a side volley from 17 yards out in the 12th minute. The lead would be short-lived for the Braves.
Paul Sheipeter equalized in the 17th minute when he got a cross from TC Hull. Brett Lane also picked up an assist on the goal.
SIUE tied a season-high with 17 shots. The Cougars finished the night with a 17-5 advantage in shots. Danzy paced the attack with a game-high six shots, including three on target.
"Everyone talks about Jabari late in the season," Sanchez said. "He's calm but focused."
The Cougars will welcome Eastern Illinois in a nonconference match Tuesday at Korte Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
