2008 Woodie Awards
SIUE soccer teams open seasons with mixed results
Men's team begins season 1-1with weekend split
Levi Kirby
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports
SIUE began their Division I season 1-1 last weekend at the Drake Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.
In the season opener Saturday against Missouri State University, SIUE grabbed a 1- 0 victory thanks to the eventual game-winning goal from senior mid-fielder Bob Ridder.
"It felt like we were getting after them (Missouri State) for awhile, and like we were going to score soon," Ridder said. "It was a good feeling making the shot. Overall, it was great to go out and get a win in the first D-I game."
Seniors Ridder and goalkeeper Nick Frasca both achieved personal milestones with the victory. Ridders game winning score was his first regular season goal, and Frasca recorded his 18th career shutout victory, leaving him two shy of the school record of 20.
In the second game of the classic, SIUE fell in defeat Sunday to the hosting Drake Bulldogs 2-0.
Frasca said the difference between winning the first game and losing the second game was primarily missed opportunities.
SIUE Head Coach Kevin Kalish had a similar response to what happened in the Drake game.
"We had an opportunity to put ourselves in a position to win," Kalish said. "They capitalized on chances, and we didn't. At this level, there is not much separation between teams."
Ridder said losing a game due to missed opportunities can be a valuable lesson to the Cougars going forward.
"In the Drake game there was a lot of pressure, and it was harder to stay composed," Ridder said. "It is crucial for us to start out relaxed and play our style of soccer."
With a 1-1 start to a brand-new D-I level of competition, the players and coaches are happy with the direction they are heading.
"Looking back from the Bradley (exhibition) game to this weekend, we improved tremendously," Kalish said. "The team played well for 25 minutes last week and 45 minutes this weekend. The focus for the year is to play a full 90 (minutes) at the D-I level."
The Cougars next game is set for 5 p.m. Friday against Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.
In the season opener Saturday against Missouri State University, SIUE grabbed a 1- 0 victory thanks to the eventual game-winning goal from senior mid-fielder Bob Ridder.
"It felt like we were getting after them (Missouri State) for awhile, and like we were going to score soon," Ridder said. "It was a good feeling making the shot. Overall, it was great to go out and get a win in the first D-I game."
Seniors Ridder and goalkeeper Nick Frasca both achieved personal milestones with the victory. Ridders game winning score was his first regular season goal, and Frasca recorded his 18th career shutout victory, leaving him two shy of the school record of 20.
In the second game of the classic, SIUE fell in defeat Sunday to the hosting Drake Bulldogs 2-0.
Frasca said the difference between winning the first game and losing the second game was primarily missed opportunities.
SIUE Head Coach Kevin Kalish had a similar response to what happened in the Drake game.
"We had an opportunity to put ourselves in a position to win," Kalish said. "They capitalized on chances, and we didn't. At this level, there is not much separation between teams."
Ridder said losing a game due to missed opportunities can be a valuable lesson to the Cougars going forward.
"In the Drake game there was a lot of pressure, and it was harder to stay composed," Ridder said. "It is crucial for us to start out relaxed and play our style of soccer."
With a 1-1 start to a brand-new D-I level of competition, the players and coaches are happy with the direction they are heading.
"Looking back from the Bradley (exhibition) game to this weekend, we improved tremendously," Kalish said. "The team played well for 25 minutes last week and 45 minutes this weekend. The focus for the year is to play a full 90 (minutes) at the D-I level."
The Cougars next game is set for 5 p.m. Friday against Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.
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