SIUE Prepares For The NCAAs
         The No. 6-ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's soccer team will look to defend its two-time NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship at home.
         The Cougars, 14-3-3, kick off the NCAA regional tournament at Korte Stadium Thursday at 7 p.m. against Mercyhurst, which enters the NCAA Tournament at 17-3. Northern Kentucky, the second seed in the Great Lakes Region at 14-2-3, faces third-seeded UW-Parkside, 13-3-4, in a 4 p.m. contest.
         If the Cougars win Thursday, they will play for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship Saturday at 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium versus the winner of Northern Kentucky and UW-Parkside. The Cougars, who became the GLVC champions for the fourth time in school history Sunday, won the GLVC title over UW-Parkside with an overtime goal off the foot of senior Victor Pacheco (Brazil).
         Ironically, this is not the first time Pacheco came up big for the Cougars. He also scored a goal to defeat UWP last season.
         "It (The GLVC Championship) was one of our goals for the year. It brings special recognition that the school and players deserve," said SIUE men's soccer coach Ed Huneke.
         The Cougars, who are slated to host the upcoming NCAA regional tournament because of their No. 1 seed, are now focused on what is up next.
         Huneke is happy to host his third consecutive NCAA regional tournament over the weekend. This is also the fourth year in a row that the Cougars have received an NCAA bid and the fifth time in six seasons.
         "We play well here because of the fans and the familiarity. We worked hard for this to happen and should now make the most of it," said Huneke.
         Huneke added that the team's seniors and their experience will benefit the Cougars. SIUE, which has won its last 11 matches, has outscored its opponents 35-7 over that stretch.
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