Jake Leonard 
SCOTT KANE PHOTO
Advances to Ohio Valley Conference championship game
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — The Cougars of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are returning to the Ohio Valley Conference soccer championship game following a 1-0 semifinal win Wednesday over Incarnate Word at Korte Stadium.
The top-seeded men’s team (11-4-3) will face off against second-seeded Houston Christian for the conference championship and the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Rain plagued most of the match, but despite that, the Cougars appeared to grab an early lead when a free kick skipped into the back of the net six minutes into the match. However, it was called back as offsides.
The Cougars got on the board in the 31st minute courtesy of a corner kick by Yasha Schaerer from the six-yard box to Nic Muench, who headed the ball into the net. The lone goal from Muench was all that the Cougars would need to attain victory.
The goal marked Muench’s third goal of the season, while the assist marked Schaerer’s team-leading eighth assist of the season.
The second half would mean increased pressure for the Cougars, as Incarnate Word unleashed nine shots with six shots on target.
Goalkeeper Rob Gjelaj turned away all seven shots on goal, picking up his tenth shutout of the season. That mark ties for third most shutouts in a single season at SIUE.
Meanwhile, the Cougars finished with nine shots on goal, with four on target. Jacob Bilyeu, Patrick Coleman, and Jake Karolczak each finished with two shots.
The championship game against Houston Christian will be Saturday at 6 p.m.
