The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer team suffered a 1-0 overtime defeat to Missouri Valley Conference foe Loyola Saturday night at Korte Stadium.
Loyola (4-9-2, 1-3-1 MVC) earned the victory with less than two minutes remaining in the first overtime period when the Ramblers’ Brian Bement knocked in a loose ball from close range for the only goal of the game.
SIUE (5-8-2, 1-3-0 MVC) held a 5-4 advantage in shots as well as a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. The Cougars had several chances to find the decisive goal in regulation, but were unable to find the breakthrough.
In a physical match that featured a combined 25 fouls and a pair of yellow cards, SIUE enjoyed the majority of possession and created a number of opportunities to take the lead. One of the Cougars’ best chances came midway through the first half, when Christian Volesky forced a turnover in Loyola’s penalty area but saw his shot smothered by Ramblers goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski.
SIUE continued to press in the second half, but at the end of 90 minutes the game remained scoreless. Bement provided the game-winner in the 99th minute of play, finishing a loose ball from seven yards out for his sixth goal of the season.
The Cougars will take the field for their final home game of the season next Saturday, when they welcome Evansville to Korte Stadium on Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m
