Crusaders Drop Overtime Fixture in Edwardsville
The Valparaiso University men’s soccer team saw its two-match winning streak snapped on Saturday night, a 1-0 overtime loss to SIU Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Ill. Defense reigned supreme throughout the contest, as the two teams combined for just one shot on goal in regulation.
Key Moment
Sophomore Lachlan McLean scored the golden goal in the 94th minute on an assist from Keegan McHugh. It marked McLean’s third goal of the week and fourth of the season after he scored both goals in a win over Memphis. McLean notched match-winners in both of SIU Edwardsville’s matches this week.
How It Happened
- The only SOG of regulation by either side came in the 38th minute, when SIU Edwardsville’s Sander Heieren placed one on goal, but junior Alex Richt (Manhattan, Kan. / Manhattan [Graceland]) was there to make his first career save.
- Richt got the start at goalkeeper, his first appearance in a Valpo uniform.
- The Cougars (2-3) narrowly outshot the Crusaders (2-2-1) in regulation 8-5.
- Valpo has not suffered a regulation loss this season, as they have earned two wins and one draw to go along with two overtime defeats. The Crusaders had scored at least one goal in each of the season’s first four matches before Saturday.
- Senior Ramone Howell (Portmore, Jamaica / Jamaica College) accounted for three of Valpo’s five shots.
- This marked Valpo’s fifth straight match away from Brown Field to begin the season. SIU Edwardsville, now a member of the MAC, won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament a year ago.
Thoughts from Head Coach Mike Avery
“It was a good game tonight that was well played by both teams. While we are disappointed with the result, the performance was something we feel good about. Five straight road games against top competition is serving its purpose in terms of helping this group mature. I think we’re improving with each game, and we are seeing longer stretches where our quality shines. We have some work to do, without question, but as we look at regular conference play – starting next week with Drake – I like where this team is headed.”
Up Next
The Crusaders will return to Missouri Valley Conference play a week from now as they face Drake on Saturday, Sept. 16. The match gets going at 7 p.m. CT with links to live coverage available on ValpoAthletics.com.
