SIUE (3-0-1, 0-0-0 OVC) vs. Western Illinois (0-4-1, 0-0-0 Summit)
Tue, Sep. 12, 7:00 p.m.
Bob Guelker Field / Ralph Korte Stadium, Edwardsville, Illinois


OPENING ACT: SIUE is unbeaten through its first four games for the first time since the 2020 season in Spring 2021, when it began the year 4-0-0.

RANK AND FILE: The Cougars are ranked No. 18 in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll. SIUE is receiving votes in this week's College Soccer News poll. This is the first time SIUE has been nationally ranked in the United Soccer Coaches poll since the Spring 2021 season, when it was No. 25 in March. The Cougars were featured in the College Soccer News poll in 2018. The new poll is released on Tuesdays.

THIS SEASON: The Cougars return 13 letter winners, while losing nine letter winners. SIUE returns three of its four top scorers from a season ago, while losing leading scorer Pau Palacin (10 points). SIUE will have 12 players who are new to the roster or who have not appeared in a game. 

SERIES STUFF: SIUE and Western Illinois have met 25 previous times in men's soccer with SIUE holding a 13-9-3 advantage in the all-time series. SIUE has won the last three meetings. Western Illinois is an OVC member, but will not join in men's soccer until the 2024 season. 

AT THE HELM: Head Coach Cale Wassermann is in his fifth season in charge of the Cougars, and his 10th as a head coach. He has an overall career record of 66-52-26. 

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Mitchell Murphy (Offensive), Aaron Crabtree (Defensive), Will Harris (Defensive) and Sam Gomez (Goalkeeper, 2x) have earned Ohio Valley Conference players of the week this season. Gomez also 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 picked up his second career shutout against Saint Louis. He leads the OVC with a 0.75 goals against average and is second with an .824 save percentage. In eight games last year, Gomez finished with a 1.38 goals against average and a .645 save percentage. 

PENALTY BOX: The Cougars have been awarded a penalty in three of four games this year. SIUE is 3-0 in penalty attempts this year with three different players scoring.