EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Freshman Kyle Owen denied two balls headed for the back of the net as the Western Illinois men's soccer team (0-10-0) fell 1-0 on a second-half goal to the SIUE Cougars (5-3-1) on Tuesday (Oct. 1) night.
"Another step towards earning a result," Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson said. "We had several good opportunities to score and played with a lot of spirit and determination. Our Summit league record is 0-0 so we have a fresh start on Saturday at Omaha."
Owen came up huge twice for the Leathernecks in the first half with two team saves. The freshman kept the game scoreless in the 5th minute with a header that denied a shot by SIUE headed for goal and then again in the 35th minute.
SIUE scored in the 70th minute after Corban McAvinew sent the ball to the back post that found Steven Bibas for a goal.
Tim Trilk stopped three all shots he faced in the first 45 minutes and then was relieved by Seanan Main to start the second half. Main tied his season-high of three saves that he previously set against No. 19 Missouri State.
Daisuke Otsuka set the tone on the attack as he fired five shots with three on goal, but were all saved.
Western Illinois travels to Omaha for the Summit League opener on Saturday (Oct. 5) at 7 p.m.
