SIUE (1-2-1) at Memphis (2-4-0)
Fri., Sep. 13, 2:00 p.m.
Track and Soccer Complex, Memphis, Tenn.
LAST TIME: The Cougars picked up their first win of the year, blanking Saint Louis 1-0 at CITYPARK in St. Louis.
BRONZE BOOT STAYING IN EDWARDSVILLE: SIUE's shutout of the Billikens means the Bronze Boot stays in Edwardsville for a second consecutive year. It is the first time the Cougars have won back-to-back games in the series since win in 1979 and 1980.
PENALTY BOX: SIUE's lone goal Sunday came from a 62nd minute penalty kick by Yasha Shearer. It was the first penalty awarded to SIUE this year. The Cougars were given a penalty nine times in 20 games last year. SIUE was eight for nine in penalty attempts with five different players scoring.
REMATCH: Friday's game marks a rematch of last year's first round NCAA Tournament game, won by Memphis 2-1.
THE SERIES: The two teams have 16 previous times with Memphis holding a one-game lead in the all-time series. SIUE is seeking its first win in Memphis. In fact, the road team has never won in the series.
AT THE HELM: 2023 OVC Coach of the Year
Cale Wassermann is in his sixth season in charge of the Cougars, and his 11th overall as a head coach. He has a record of 41-32-12 in five seasons at SIUE.
SCORE!: SIUE returns its four top scorers from a year ago including the OVC leader in goals
Pavel Dashin (9 goals, 19 points), OVC Forward of the Year
Stephan Moreira (17 points) OVC Tournament MVP
Nacho Abeal (14 points) and
Jake Karolczak (13 points). In all, the Cougars have 62 percent of their scoring returning.
SQUAD GOALS: The Cougars finished last season No. 6 in the NCAA in total goals with 45. They scored six goals Sept. 28 at Southern Indiana, which were the most in a game for the Cougars since a 7-0 win against Saint Joseph's in 2006.
TAKE YOUR SHOT: SIUE unleashed a season-high 26 total shots last year against Webster. It marked the most shots in a game since a 2016 game against Central Arkansas (29). Sept. 28 at Southern Indiana, SIUE put a season-best 17 shots on goal.
BETWEEN THE PIPES: After the graduation of OVC Goalkeeper of the Year
Sam Gomez, the Cougars have turned to grad transfer
Rob Gjelaj. He appeared in 55 games making 53 starts over four seasons at Division II Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. He finished as the school's all-time saves leader with 319. Last season he was fourth nationally in DII with 97 saves. Gjelaj is the OVC leader in total saves (23), saves per game (5.75) and save percentage (.719).
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: The Cougars picked up a pair of OVC Players of the Week follwong the win over Saint Louis.
Wes Gibson was the Player of the Week after helping SIUE to shut out Saint Louis. Gjelaj earned the nod as Goalkeeper of the Week after making four saves against the Billikens. The award was the second of the year for Gjelaj
LAST SEASON: SIUE finished 16-1-3 and was unbeaten through its first 19 games. The Cougars captured the first Ohio Valley Conference Regular Season and Tournament titles and appeared in the NCAA Tournament for the 24th time. SIUE's .850 winning percentage was the best in Division I.
ALL WE DO IS WIN: SIUE's 16 wins in 2023 were the most in a season for a Cougar team since the return to Division I.
TITLE TOWN: The regular season title was the first OVC title for a men's program at SIUE in any sport.
PRO TRADITION: More than 75 former SIUE players have gone on to play professional soccer, including MLS veteran Matt Polster, who is in his ninth season in the league.
PROGRAM HISTORY: SIUE is playing its 58th season of men's soccer. The program's all-time record is now 602-331-98. SIUE's .631 winning percentage at the start of the season ranks 23rd all-time.This is the 17th season since returning to NCAA Division I competition. SIUE has made 24 NCAA Tournament appearances, which includes 16 appearances in the Division I tournament. The Cougars hold two National Championships (1972, 1979).
