Men's Soccer

SIUE Men's Soccer Adds Four Transfers
         (EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer coach Ed Huneke has announced that four players have decided to transfer to SIUE and play soccer for the Cougars. They are Mike Burgund (Bethalto), Addae Rique (Trinidad & Tobago), Matthew Siegel (Maryville), and Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles, Mo.)
         Burgund comes to SIUE from Missouri Baptist, where he spent the past two seasons. As a Spartan, Burgund earned honorable mention All-America honors last season as a defender. He will have two years of eligibility beginning in the fall. "Coaches like steady and consistent defenders," said Huneke. "That is why Mike will anchor our defense."
         Joining Burgund on SIUE's roster is Missouri Baptist teammate Addae Rique. Rique, who hails from Trinidad & Tobago, will have two years of eligibility after spending the past two seasons at Missouri Baptist. He scored six goals and added seven assists in 2002 and looks to be an impact player on next year's team. "I will predict that Addae, who is outstanding on the ball, will be one of the best Division II soccer players in the nation," Huneke said.
         Siegel comes to SIUE after spending one season at Southwest Missouri State University. The Collinsville High School graduate will have three years of eligibility. Last season, he appeared in nine games for the Bears. He scored the team's only goal against UC-Santa Barbara. "Matt successfully combines his physical talents with good skills and vision," Huneke said.
         Thibodeau last played collegiate soccer at DePaul University in 2000, where he appeared in 15 games for the Blue Demons as a freshman. A four-time letter winner at Chaminade High School in St. Louis, he was an All-State selection his senior year. "Kevin is a tenacious ball winner who also knows how to keep it," Huneke said.
         SIUE's season will get under way Aug.17 with an exhibition game against SIUE soccer alumni. The first regular-season contest will be Aug. 31 against Rockhurst. SIUE is coming off a 13-4-2 season in which the Cougars won their second Great Lakes Valley Conference crown.
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