EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's soccer enjoyed its best offensive night of the season on its way to its second consecutive shutout win. The Cougars downed Eastern Illinois 3-0 Thursday at Korte Stadium.
SIUE unleashed a season-high 23 total shots and nine shots on goal to improve to 4-3-2 overall and 2-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
EIU slipped to 1-6-1 overall and 0-2 in the OVC.
The Cougars scored all three goals from corner kicks, taking a 1-0 lead after a corner in the seventh minute. Yasha Schaerer played the corner out to Stephan Moreira at the top of the box, Moreira put the ball into the box where it was headed home by Pavel Dashin.
The Cougars took a 1-0 lead into the break, despite increased pressure from Eastern Illinois at the end of the first half.
Wes Gibson headed home his first career goal to double the Cougars' advantage in the 56th minute. Schaerer put a corner on goal. EIU goalkeeper Chad Smith tipped the shot to back post where Gibson was waiting.
Nacho Abeal made it 3-0 in the 58th minute. Schaerer played a corner to the top of the 18-yard bard where Abeal unloaded a right-footed shot into the upper corner for his second goal of the year.
Rob Gjelaj turned away all three shots on goal from Eastern Illinois to pick up his second straight shutout and fourth overall this season.
Sam Eccles led the Panthers with two shots, one of which was on goal.
SIUE completes a five-game home stand with the annual Homecoming game Saturday night. Southern Indiana is in town for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
