SIUE Cougars (1-7-0, 0-1-0 OVC) at
Western Illinois Leathernecks (2-7-1, 0-0-1 OVC)
Thu., Oct. 2, 3:30 PM
John A. Mackenzie Alumni Soccer Field, Macomb, Illinois

LAST TIME: SIUE dropped a 2-0 contest to Lindenwood Saturday night in Edwardsville. SIUE has lost five straight.

THIS WEEK: The Cougars are on the road to face Western Illinois Thursday before returning home fora  game against Eastern Illinois Saturday at Korte Stadium.

ROAD WARRIORS: SIUE plays three of its next four games away from Edwardsville. 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Evan Howard was named as the OVC Player of the Week 9/2 after he scored in each of SIUE's games in Colorado.

RANK AND FILE: SIUE has faced two ranked opponents so far this season, dropping 2-1 games on the road at No. 21 Denver and No. 16 Saint Louis.

THE SERIES: The Cougars and Leathernecks have faced off 27 previous times in men's soccer in a series that dates back to 1972. The two sides have played more neutral games in the series (13) than they have at either school's home venue. SIUE is 2-3 in road games in the series. 

SCORING: Evan Howard remains tied for the OVC lead with five goals this year. He is one of just three goals scores thus far for the Cougars. SIUE lost its seven top scorers and eight of the top 10 after last season. The Cougars opened the season with just four goal scorers from a season ago representing six of 30 goals (20 percent) scored in 2024. Returners account for just 18 percent (15 of 85) of total points scored in 2024.

GOT 'EM CORNERED: SIUE leads the OVC and ranks 58th in the NCAA in corner kicks per game at 5.38.

AT THE HELM: Two-time OVC Coach of the Year Cale Wassermann is in his seventh season in charge of the Cougars, and his 12th overall as a head coach. He has a record of 53-42-14 (.550) in six full seasons at SIUE. He is third all-time in wins at SIUE.