EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE scored twice in the second half on its way to a 3-1 win over Webster University in the Cougars' final tune-up before Ohio Valley Conference play begins.
The win extends the Cougars (5-0-2) unbeaten streak to start the season to seven games. It is the longest uneaten streak to start the season since 1997.
"It took us a while to crack it open and I credit Webster," SIUE Head Coach Cale Wassermann said. "I know the head coach and he does a good job. He kept them super organized."
With the game scoreless in the 30th minute, SIUE was awarded a penalty after a Webster handball in the box. Alsadiq Hasan buried the kick for the 1-0 lead. The Cougars kept the lead into the half.
"We had a lot of possession in the first half, but it took us a while to get the goal," Wassermann added.
It was the Gorlocks (2-5-1) who scored first in the second half. Nick Thomas ran onto a long pass and scored with a strike from the top of the box to knot the score.
The score stayed 1-1 for 27 seconds, as Stephan Moreira took a pass from Bobby Pauly and proceeded to put SIUE back on top with a shot of his own from the top of the box.
Hasan sealed the game with a left-footed blast from 20 yards away in the 79th minute. It is the second two-goal game of the season for the Cougar captain.
"It's the energy he brings, the leadership, the communication, the tackles," Wassermann said of Hasan. "He is extremely professional in his approach, and he deserved the two goals."
In all, the Cougars utilized 20 players in the game.
"Guys like Bobby Pauly, Zach Renz, Sebastian Borquez all came in and brought value to the game," Wassermann said. "Well-deserved minutes for them and they continue to push the group."
SIUE unleashed 26 shots, with 11 coming on goal.
The Cougars next move into OVC play with a road game at Southern Indiana Thursday.
"All eyes are on OVC," Wassermann said. "Southern Indiana away will be a tough one. We're excited for the opportunity."
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