Cougar Men's Soccer Focused on Home Opener
         After a tough start the No. 4-ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer team looks to turn it around in its home opener.
         "There is a lot to be said about being in front of your own fans," said SIUE men's head soccer coach Ed Huneke.
         The team kicks off its home schedule Friday at 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium against Christian Brothers.
         "Historically they (Christian Brothers) have always given us a battle and probably have an edge over us in wins and losses," added Huneke. Christian Brothers leads the series 5-2-1.
         Huneke believes that the key to improving the team's play is staying disciplined both mentally and physically. "It is important that we don't get taken off of our game plan," said Huneke.
         Beginning the season against two teams ranked in the top 15 (No. 1 Fort Lewis and No. 12 Colorado Mines) will help prepare the Cougars for the rest of the season.
         "I look upon a tough early schedule in the same way steel is forged, creating heat and shaping the steel early makes it strong when the important regional battles begin," said Huneke.
         A tough early schedule also helps the team to recognize weaknesses in the beginning of the season giving the team an opportunity to learn for their mistakes, said Huneke.
         John Matthews (Edwardsville), a senior, scored the team's only goal in Colorado. It was the 10th of his career.
                  -siue cougars-