EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's soccer delighted a Homecoming crowd of 2,766 with a 3-1 win over Southern Indiana Saturday night at Korte Stadium in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both sides.
Playing as the 66ers, SIUE improved to 3-4-1 overall, wasted no time in taking a lead as Ryley Gibbs put his third of the year in the back of the net after Dominic Bartoni's initial shot was turned away by Southern Indiana goalkeeper Jacob English.
USI's Edin Cvorovic headed home in the 26th minute to tie the game and the contest went to half at 1-1.
It was another early goal for SIUE at the start of the second half. After a push into the box, SIUE had two shots blocked, one from Amos Boum Nlend and another from Bartoni. The second of which was deemed to be a handball in the box, affording SIUE with a penalty kick. Bartoni buried the kick to make it 2-1.
Shortly after the Screaming Eagles were dealt a blow when Bryce Seigel was sent off after receiving a red card for a late push following a stoppage in play.
The 66ers made several charges on goal but couldn't find a third until the 86th minute. Ben Perkins scored his second career goal after he banged in a rebound after Juan Rodas had a shot saved by English.
SIUE outshot USI 15-12 overall and put eight shots on goal. English finished with four saves for USI, which fell to 0-5-3 overall.
66ers goalkeeper Ioannis Koupepides made two saves for SIUE.
With the victory, SIUE improved to 15-3 in Homecoming games since returning to Division I in 2008.
SIUE finishes a four-game home stand when Western Illinois comes to Edwardsville for a Thursday night game. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
