Box Score Peoria, IL -- Bradley men's soccer opened the 2024 season with a 1-0 win against Chicago State.
Final Score: Bradley 1 - Chicago State 0
Final Box Score: Here
Match Summary
Bradley and Chicago State took turns with counterattacks in the first half, with the offense slightly favoring Chicago State as they out-shot the Braves 8-4 in the game's first 45 minutes. However, as both teams headed into the locker rooms, it was clear that the second half would not follow the same script. Bradley came out on the front foot in the second half, which helped them generate 12 second-half shots for a total of 16, with five on goal. That pressure eventually gave the Braves a great opportunity when they were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the penalty area. Kevin Mejias stepped up to the penalty spot for the Braves and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to secure the game's lone goal. The Bradley defense saw the game out after defending multiple late corners from Chicago State. Drew Berry was able to claim the final threatening ball from the Cougars and secure the Bradley win. This win is the first for Tim Regan as head coach for the Braves soccer program.
Gallery: (8-23-2024) Bradley vs Chicago State (Soccer)
Welcome back Kevin Mejias
In 2023, Bradley was unbeaten through eight games until Kevin Mejias suffered a season ending knee injury following a goal that he scored in the Braves draw against SIUE. Mejias stood as BU's offensive leader in both goals in assists until going down. However, following months of rehabilitation and his first game action with the Braves since that injury, he found himself as the penalty kick taker following a handball in the box against Chicago State drawn by Francesco Pettinaroli. Needless to say that Mejias capitalized on his opportunity and wasted no time finding athletic trainer Mark Colston along the sideline for a celebratory hug.
What's Next?
Bradley will turn their attention north to Milwaukee, WI as they hit the road to take on the Milwaukee Panthers. Historically Milwaukee has been a tough opponent for BU as the Braves trail the all-time series 1-5-1. The last time these two programs met came in seven years ago in 2017 when the two programs met in a neutral site game in Evansville, IN. The game will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. central and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.
