EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.- The SIUE Cougars men’s soccer team returns to Ralph Korte Stadium on Sunday, October 5th, to face the eastern Illinois Panthers in a 1:00 PM Ohio Valley Conference matchup. Coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat at Western Illinois, SIUE looks to secure its first OVC win and build momentum as they navigate a challenging season.
This contest marks the continuation of SIUE’s first two-game week in conference play and offers a crucial opportunity for the Cougars to gain ground in the OVC standings.The team faces a demanding stretch with their next two games on the road following Sunday’s match. The series against Eastern Illinois holds notable history, with SIUE boasting an eight-game winning streak against the Panthers in a rivalry dating back to 1968, spanning three different conferences.
Forward Evan Howard currently leads the Cougars’ attack,tied for second in the OVC with five goals this season. Despite losing their top seven scorers from the previous year, Howard has emerged as a key offensive threat, alongside the team’s other two goalscorers.The Cougars’ scoring has been significantly impacted by turnover, with returners accounting for only 18 percent of total points scored in 2024.
SIUE is generating offensive opportunities,leading the OVC and ranking 75th nationally with 5.11 corner kicks per game. Head Coach Cale Wassermann, a two-time OVC Coach of the Year, is in his seventh season at SIUE, holding a record of 53-43-14. He is currently third all-time in wins for the program.
The Cougars have already tested themselves against ranked opponents this season, falling in close contests against No. 21 Denver and No. 16 Saint Louis. The series with Eastern Illinois has been a long-standing one, with 34 previous meetings between the two programs.
