Peoria, IL -- Bradley Soccer claimed its second win of the 2024 season and second home clean sheet after 4-0 victory against Western Illinois.
Final Score: Bradley 4 - Western Illinois 0
Final Box Score: Here
Match Summary
In a night where quality trumped quantity in scoring chances, Bradley emerged victorious with a 4-0 win over Western Illinois. The scoring commenced in the 11th minute when BU captain Charlie Dickerson netted the opening goal, with Dominic Woolley and Elias Benitez Saiz providing the assists. Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Francesco Pettinaroli extended BU's lead with a goal assisted by DJ Koulai
and Ethan Beauman-Ansah.
The second half saw the Braves continue their strong play. Sophomore Mitch Coughlon started things off in the second half by scoring his first two career goals—once in the 50th minute and again in the 61st minute. Both goals were set up by Francesco Pettinaroli, with the second goal also receiving an assist from Cohen Musschoot.
In terms of team statistics, BU outshot WIU 10-6, with five of their shots on target compared to two for WIU. Both teams had two saves each, but Bradley's ability to control the back end of play provided an edge in corner kicks, earning six compared to WIU's one. Drew Berry collected his second clean sheet of the season in as many tries, having also held Chicago State scoreless on the season's opening night.
Bradley's Big Night
The Braves have historically been no stranger to success in the non-conference slate of a season, but just how impressive was the goal-scoring last night? For only the sixth time in the last decade and the second time in the last two seasons, Bradley notched four goals in a 90-minute contest (excluding games with the previous rule allowing for extra time prior to 2023). Not only that, but the last time Bradley had a single player score his first two career goals on the same night was two years ago, when Cal Somov scored both goals in Bradley's 2-1 win over Northern Kentucky. Last night, sophomore Mitch Coughlon from nearby Washington, Illinois, repeated that feat.
It wasn't just the young players who did a lot of the lifting; senior Francesco Pettenaroli had perhaps his best game to date as a Brave, with two assists and a solo goal to help push the Braves across the finish line. Lastly, and certainly not least, team captain Charlie Dickeron collected his second career goal for the Braves, and goalkeeper Drew Berry has now earned two clean sheets, bringing his career total to four and matching his total from last season.
What's Next?
Bradley will be back in action tomorrow against Purdue Fort Wayne at 3:00 PM from Shea Stadium. The game will be available to be streamed on ESPN+
Highlights
12" Goal by Charlie Dickerson
45" Goal by
Francesco Pettinaroli
52" Goal By
Mitch Coughlon
62" Goal by
Mitch Coughlon
Gallery: (8-30-2024) Bradley vs Western Illinois
