SIUE Cougars (2-8-2, 1-2-2 OVC) vs. HCU Huskies (8-3-1, 3-1-1 OVC)
Thu., Oct. 16, 5:00 PM
Bob Guelker Field / Ralph Korte Stadium
Edwardsville, Illinois

LAST TIME: Despite a 17-6 advantage in shots and a season-high nine shots on goal, SIUE settled for a second straight draw. The Cougars tied 2-2 at Southern Indiana Sunday.

THIS WEEK: The Cougars play another two-game week in the OVC season with HCU in town Thursday and UIW at Korte Stadium Sunday.

HOME COOKING: Three of SIUE's next four games are at home, with Western Illinois concluding the home season at Korte Stadium Oct. 30.

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: Tonight is only the fourth meeting in men's soccer between the two teams. Both teams have won regular seaon home games in the series. SIUE edged HCU 3-2 in double overtime for the 2024 OVC Tournament championship in Edwardsville.

SCORING: Evan Howard is tied for second in the OVC with six goals this year. The Cougars had two first-time goal scorers Sunday with Dom Bartoni and Ben Perkins both scoring at USI. 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.

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 54-43-16 (.549) in six full seasons at SIUE. He is third all-time in wins at SIUE. 

OWNING THE OVC: Now playing the third season since the OVC began men's soccer, the Cougars have just three losses to Conference opponents, with two losses coming this season. SIUE sports an 18-3-4 record in regular season games and a 4-0 mark in the OVC Tournament.