EVANSVILLE, Ind. – SIUE men's soccer struck for a season-high four goals Wednesday on its way to its first Missouri Valley Conference win of the season, a 4-0 blanking on the road at Evansville.
"I told the guys how happy I was," SIUE Head Coach Cale Wassermann said. "To go on the road, in conference, score four goals, keep a clean sheet and have two guys open their career accounts is great."
SIUE improved to 2-5-2 and 1-2 in MVC play. Evansville is 0-7-1 and 0-2-1 in the league.
The four goals are the most in a game for SIUE since a 4-3 home win over Evansville in 2019. The four-goal margin of victory is the largest in the series with the Purple Aces.
SIUE has scored seven goals in its last two games.
"We made some adjustments after we lost some guys," Wasserman said. "It allowed us a little more control with the ball."
After a tightly contested first 40 minutes, in which both teams had chances, it was Mitchell Murphy who opened the scoring for SIUE. Murphy tallied the first of his career just minutes before halftime.
"It was a hug boost going into halftime," Wassermann added. "Scoring first is so important in our game."
The Cougars wasted little time adding to their lead in the second half. Pau Palacin took advantage of a turnover in Evansville's defensive end for his third of the year. Six minutes later, Max Broughton lifted a long pass from the midfield finding Murphy. Murphy worked into the box before slotting home his second of the game. Noah Fetter notched the first of his career in the 82nd with an assist from Palacin.
"Our depth certainly showed tonight," Wassermann said. "We were able to get some guys in. Our work rate and execution were good tonight."
SIUE outshot the Aces 16-10. Cougar goalkeeper Tor Erik Larsen turned away all five shots on goal from Evansville.
"His presence and overall performance were good," Wassermann said of his goalkeeper. "His decision-making helped squander some Evansville chances."
The Cougars stay on the road to face Loyola Sunday in Chicago.
"It's a very short turnaround and we have to be ready to face a really good team in Loyola," Wassermann said.
