Box Score EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's soccer earned a 1-0 victory over Western Illinois for their first win at home this season.
"I have to give Western Illinois credit, they kept coming in waves," said Head Coach Derek Burton. "They had a lot of energy and enthusiasm. We managed it and we're really happy to be walking away with a win."
The shutout marked the Cougars' fourth of the year and the 25th of senior goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley's career.
"Good goalkeepers make the big play or two when they need to," said Burton. "Jen has done that her whole career. She continues to do that. We lean on her. We expect that and she expects that of herself."
The Cougars scored early in the 13th minute on a free kick from Jorie Clawson to Cassidy Sherman. Clawson floated the ball to the net from 35 yards out, where Sherman was able to head the ball in from close range. The goal was Sherman's second on the year.
"We've seen Cassidy do that quite a bit," said Burton. "Jorie, to her credit, has really been working on her service and has become a real weapon for us on restarts. We hope to see more from the two of them together throughout the year."
SIUE didn't score again for the remainder of the game, but managed to keep Western Illinois scoreless for 90 minutes.
Pelley made two save on the game, including a block over the crossbar on a free kick late in the game to keep the lead for the Cougars.
"I told them after the game that I am proud of this team because we continue to learn and get better every game," said Burton. "We literally have gotten better every game. We've won a game and we know what it takes to win a game. "
SIUE stays home for a Friday match against Missouri State. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
