CONWAY, Ark. – Stephen Moreira netted the first goal of his Cougar career late in the second half to lift the Cougars over Central Arkansas 2-1 in the season opener for both teams.
The Cougars have now won three straight in the series with Central Arkansas and are unbeaten in the last 11 consecutive games against the Bears (9-0-2).
"This was a tough trip against a tough opponent," SIUE Head Coach Cale Wassermann said. "We got off to a really good start."
Moreira's goal came in the 78th minute to snap a 1-1 tie. Moreira took a pass into the box from Ignacio Abeal Pou, turned and took a shot through traffic, connecting low and to the right of the goal.
"Steph had a couple of high-end moments tonight," Wassermann added.
SIUE grabbed the lead just over 13 minutes into the game and the same two players made it happen. Moreira sent a cross into the box, which was knocked down by a UCA defender, who was whistled for handball. The Cougars were awarded a penalty.
Pou then buried the kick to put SIUE up 1-0, a lead they carried into halftime.
The teams had to sit for an extra 10 minutes at half when a light standard failed.
"When we came out, we came out sharp," Wassermann said. "We lost our way a bit and found ourselves tied, but we made some adjustments.
Central Arkansas tied the game in the 62nd minute on a goal from Pietro Fontana.
"Bobby Pauly, Wes Gibson, Connor Gramke and Alsadiq Hasan gave us a boost off the bench," Wassermann added.
Central Arkansas outshot SIUE 12-10, including a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Sam Gomez made four saves in goal in the win.
"We are where I expected us to be at this point," Wassermann said. "Not all the way there, but we were sharp enough, tough enough and together enough to get it done."
The Cougars return to Edwardsville to open the home season Sunday when Butler comes to town for a 7 p.m. game.
