PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University's soccer team remains unbeaten after seven games following a 1-1 draw against SIU-Edwardsville. The Braves are now 4-0-3 and have yet to lose a match during the 2023 season.
Game Recap
BU started hot, creating many dangerous opportunities in the first minutes of play. Kevin Mejias opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a clinical finish to beat the visiting goalkeeper following a great shot from
Jared Sinnaeve that hit the right post. The goal was Mejias' third this regular season and DJ Koulai was credited with his third assist of the season.
The game stopped due to a lightning delay 23 minutes into the first half. About 90 minutes later, both teams resumed play, but the scoreboard remained untouched heading into halftime.
During the second half, the Cougars gained control of possession to try and tie the game. Bradley focused on staying organized on defense and waiting for the counterattack.
SIUE found the equalizer in the 57th minute as Ignacio Abeal Pou crossed the ball to find Nic Muench, who finished with a header to tie the game.
Both teams tried to find the winning goal, but the match ended with a 1-1 draw despite the Cougars' intense final 15 minutes. The Cougars outshot the Braves 11-6 during the second half.
Drew Berry had a crucial save on the line with 12 minutes left to play. SIUE could not find the breakthrough even though Stephan Moreira hit the crossbar in the 81st minute.
Coach DeRose's Postgame Comments
Notable Statistics and Notes
Bradley is now unbeaten through seven games to begin the 2023 season. This is the third time in BU history that the team has been unbeaten through seven games and the first time since 2002.
Kevin Mejias is the first Brave to score three goals in a season since Jack Douglas and
Pepe Mellado each netted three goals in the 2021 season.
Both teams combined to get whistled for 38 fouls and seven yellow cards throughout the game
Drew Berry was credited with one save.
Coming Up...
The Braves will be back in action next Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. as they host Green Bay. BU is looking to get its first win against Green Bay as the record is 0-2-1 against this team.