ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The University of Southern Indiana men's soccer team posted its first victory and shutout of the year in a 5-0 decision over Harris Stowe State College, Sunday afternoon in St. Louis, Missouri. The Screaming Eagles conclude their first road trip of the 1-1-0.
The shutout was the first of the season for senior goalkeeper
Kyle Penick (Evansville, Indiana), who made two saves in the win. Pennick ranks fourth all-time at USI with 12 career shutouts, just one behind Jim Dionne (1991-92).
The Eagles got on the board at the 25:32 mark of the first half when sophomore midfielder
Evan Stoll (Washington, Indiana) scored his first goal of the season. He was assisted on the play by sophomore forward
Michael Dugger (Hanson, Kentucky).
After going into the locker room with a 1-0 lead at halftime, USI's offense exploded for four goals in the second half. Senior midfielder
Jeff Slaga (Kokomo, Indiana) led the way for the Eagles, heading in a pair of goals.
His first goal of the season came just after the intermission at 59:35, off a passs from freshman forward
Mike Bendzen (Evansville, Indiana). The assist was Bendzen's first as a collegiate.
Slaga scored his second goal of the game at the 78:09 mark off a double-assist by junior midfielder
Richie Maldonado (Indianapolis, Indiana) and sophomore midfielder
Quintin Myers (Washinton, Indiana). The assists were Maldonado's and Myers' first at USI.
In between Slaga's goals, junior back
Brian Shepherd (St. Louis, Missouri) scored his first collegiate in front of the his hometown crowd at 74:52. The goal was unassisted.
The final goal of the game was scored by freshman midfielder
Tyree Robinson (Jefferson City, Missouri) at 85:49. Maldonado and Myers combined for a second time in the match to get the ball to Robinson for his first collegiate goal.
The Eagles will open the 2005 home schedule by hosting Ashland University for a men's and women's doubleheader at Strassweg Field. The women's match is a noon, while men's match is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kick-off.
