Men's Soccer

Comeback Kids Pick up Two Wins

         Even though the men’s soccer Cougars fell behind 1-0 in each of its first two games of the season Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer coach Ed Huneke was happy the way his team battled back and were able to pick up a pair of 2-1 victories.
         “An interesting nature is developing with this team -- the ability to come from behind,” said Huneke. “It is a dangerous way to live, but it is nice knowing you have that capability.”
         Freshman forward Adam Lanter (Edwardsville) came off the bench and was huge for SIUE all weekend. He netted goals in both games, including the game-winner on Friday as the Cougars defeated Columbia 2-1. “For him to come up with two goals in the first two games is especially gratifying for him and our team,” said Huneke.
         Along with Lanter’s solid play the Cougars received some heroics from junior forward Pete Cacciatore (St. Louis), whose first goal of the season in double-overtime propelled the Cougars to a 2-1 win over Christian Brothers College on Sunday night.
         “Pete had a great weekend,” said Huneke. “He is so dangerous with his speed.”
         Junior forward Tim Collico (St. Louis) scored the Cougars’ other goal in the Columbia game. Like Collico, sophomore forward John Matthews (Edwardsville) had a solid weekend picking up an assist in each of the contests. “He is real strong player,” said Huneke. “The kind of player you want playing beside you.”
         Junior backer Kevin Thibodeau (St. Charles) had an assist in the game against Christian Brothers. Thibodeau’s backfield teammate Mike Burgund (Bethalto) was also very impressive with his defensive skills.
         The Cougars were led by their offensive play in both contests, out shooting their opponents 41-13 in the two games. “Both team’s defensive structures were good,” said Huneke. “It seemed like in the second half things opened up a little bit for us.”
         SIUE will head on the road this weekend as it travels to Kenosha, Wis., for the UW-Parkside PUMA Classic. The Cougars will battle Gannon on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. following that up with Findlay on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
                  -siue-