SIUE (10-0-3, 4-0-1 OVC) at Chicago State (3-8-3, 1-3-2 OVC)
Thu, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Gwendolyn College Prep
Chicago, Illinois

OPENING ACT: SIUE is unbeaten through its first 13 games. It is the best start to a season since the 1997 team began 15-0-1. SIUE is one of six unbeaten teams remaining in the NCAA. The Cougars' .885 winning percentage trails only Marshall (12-0-0) in the NCAA. 

RANK AND FILE: SIUE is ranked No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches North Region poll. The Cougars landed at No. 18 in the Sept. 5 United Soccer Coaches national poll, marking the first time SIUE had been nationally ranked in the poll since the Spring 2021 season.

DE-FENCE: SIUE boasts the top defense in the OVC. It's team goals against average of 0.62 ranks ninth in the NCAA. The Cougars' goal differential is +22, which is fifth in the NCAA.

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS: The Cougars are No. 7 in the NCAA in total goals with 30.
Six goals Sept. 28 at Southern Indiana were the most in a game for the Cougars since a 7-0 win against Saint Joseph's in 2006. 

TAKE YOUR SHOT: SIUE unleashed a season-high 26 total shots Sep. 22 against Webster. It marked the most shots in a game since a 2016 game against Central Arkansas (29). Sept. 28 at Southern Indiana, SIUE put a season-best 17 shots on goal. 

THE MATCHUP: SIUE and Chicago State are meeting for the first time in men's soccer and as members of the OVC. 

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: SIUE swept the OVC weekly awards. Jake Karolczak won his first Offensive Player award, Will Harris won his second Defensive Player award and Sam Gomez was named Goalkeeper of the Week for the sixth time this year. Aaron Crabtree (Defensive), Wes Gibson (Defensive) and Mitchell Murphy (2x Offensive), also have earned OVC awards. Gomez was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com's national Team of the Week (9/4). Nic Muench was named to CollegeSoccerNews.com's national Team of the Week (9/4). 

BETWEEN THE PIPES: Gomez returns as the No. 1 goalkeeper after splitting time last season. He leads the OVC with a 0.62 goals against average, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. He also leads the league with an .862 save percentage, which ranks fourth nationally. In eight games last year, Gomez finished with a 1.38 goals against average and a .645 save percentage.