Peoria, Ill. - The Bradley Braves (3-9-3, 1-5-1 MVC) are in a position they haven't been much at all this season - coming off of a home loss. After an injury to starting keeper Nick Burke, the Braves' defense was unable to withstand the barrage from UIC, falling 6-2. It's just the second time in 2022 that the Braves lost at home, with the other being to now-#16 Missouri State. 

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SETTING UP BRADLEY-SIUE
Saturday provides the opportunity to turn the page, as Bradley hosts the Cougars from SIU-Edwardsville (4-7-2, 1-5-0 MVC) in conference play. The Cougars are on a bit of a slide as well, having dropped consecutive games to Evansville (1-2), and the aforementioned #16 Missouri State (0-3). Of note, the Cougars and UIC battled all of three games ago, with SIU-E coming out victorious by a 2-0 score. 

Saturday's tilt at Shea Stadium will be the 22nd meeting in series history, with Bradley having won each of the last three. Among those three is the 2021 MVC Quarterfinal that the Braves won in Edwardsville, 2-1. A 0-0 game became 1-1 within 10 minutes of the second half getting underway before Rasmus Smidtslund sent Bradley onto the MVC Semifinal round with a goal in the 73rd minute, locking in a 2-1 win. 

Historically speaking, Saturday should be a hotly contested one, as only two Bradley-SIUE meetings have been decided by two or more goals. 

EDUCATORS APPRECIATION GAME
The Bradley-SIUE game is also an Educators Appreciation Game. Any early childhood, primary, or secondary education employee can present their valid ID at either the Renaissance Coliseum Box Office or at Shea Stadium on gameday for one complimentary ticket. For details, click HERE.