EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE's Nic Muench scored the equalizer Thursday as the 25th-ranked Cougars came back to earn a 1-1 draw with Michigan State on opening night at Korte Stadium.
Patrick Coleman collected the assist, slotting a ball between two defenders from the right sideline. Muench finished from just outside the six-yard box to the far post.
Michigan State took an initial lead in the first half when Sean Kerrigan converted a penalty in the 38th minute.
The Spartans outshot SIUE 12-4 and held a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. Nacho Abeal led the Cougars with a pair of shots, including one on goal. Jake Karolczak also had a shot on frame for SIUE.Â
SIUE goalkeeper Rob Gjelaj made five saves in his first regular season start for the Cougars. MSU goalkeeper Zac Kelly made two saves. Â
SIUE takes a week off before traveling to Ohio for a pair of games. The Cougars will meet Ohio State Aug. 29 and Dayton Sep 1 in OSU's Wolstein Classic Tournament.
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