ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan picked up a late goal to slip past SIUE men's soccer 3-2 Sunday afternoon.
The Cougars fell to 0-3 to start the season. Michigan improved to 2-0-1.
SIUE took a 1-0 lead into halftime after controlling much of the play in the half. The lone goal of the period came thanks to a free kick in the 43rd minute. Elliott Forestier took the kick and his low shot was saved by Michigan goalkeeper Alen Bean. Robbie Spain pounced on the rebound in the six-yard box for his first goal as a Cougar.
The Cougars had back-to-back chances denied in the 12th minute when Colin Bastianoni had a shot from distance saved by Bean. Ryley Gibbs took a swing at the rebound, and his shot was blocked out of play. Grant Locker then had consecutive attempts blocked away in the 36th minute. The last one went out for an SIUE corner kick.
Michigan game out of halftime firing and forced SIUE goalkeeper Ioannis Koupepides into saves in the 48th and the 50th minutes. Alex Gimple banged a shot off the post in the 54th minute.
The Wolverines finally cashed in the 57th minute. Nico Pendleton headed home to even the score at 1-1. Michigan pushed on top when Grayson Elmquist converted on a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Bastianoni tied the score for the Cougars in the 66th after he headed home from a cross from Mathias Clausen.
Elmquist scored Michigan's game-winner in the 84th which came off a right-side attack. A through ball send Elmquist into the box and he finished far post.
SIUE finished with a season-best 13 shots and five on goal. The Wolverines outshot the Cougars 18-13 for the game.
Koupepides made his second consecutive start and finished with three saves.
SIUE will open the home season Sunday with the 35th Bronze Boot against Saint Louis. Kickoff at Korte Stadium is slated for 6 p.m.
