EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Putting together a complete 90-minute performance, the University of Evansville men's soccer captured a 2-0 victory on the road at SIUE on Wednesday night in Edwardsville, Ill.

"There's no quit in this group. I'm proud of the guys," said Aces head men's soccer coach Marshall Ray. "It's been a struggle at times this season, but we've continued to work hard, battle, and compete. This is a good road win in The Valley for us. Now we have to get prepared for a home match and Senior Day against Drake. The whole season's in front of us."

An efficient attack proved to be just what the Aces needed as Evansville recorded six shots on the night, putting five on frame and two in the back of the net. Redshirt junior Jakub Hall scored his first goal of the season to kick-off the scoring, followed by senior Davis Peck adding his second of the year. In goal, redshirt junior Jacob Madden put on another impressive performance, recording his second shutout of the season, while making five saves.

Keeping possession for long stretches, the Aces played out of the back and it paid dividends. Evansville's first opportunity was converted in the 12th minute as freshman Jose Vivas slipped a clever through ball to a sprinting Hall, who put the ball across the face of goal and found the back of the net. A stout defensive effort showed itself early for the Aces as SIUE only recorded three shots after the 10-minute mark, putting none on frame.

In the second half, Evansville turned-up the heat with run after run from junior Nkosi Graham, Vivas, and Peck. Vivas tallied his lone shot of the evening in the 53rd minute, putting pace behind the ball and forcing a tough save from the Cougars keeper Tor Erik Larsen. Graham got his chance in the 63rd minute, looking to slip the ball in near post, but again Larsen made the save. It was Peck's turn in the 64th minute with a shot that Larsen was able to corral from point-blank range. Less than five minutes later, Peck would get another chance against Larsen in a similar situation. After a giveaway, Peck received the ball at his feet and nutmegged a defender to find himself one-on-one with the keeper. This time, Peck chipped the ball over the keeper, giving Evansville a 2-0 lead with less than 25 minutes to play.

The threat was not over from the Cougars as in the 77th minute SIUE nearly halved Evansville's advantage. A pair of shots from close range came at Madden, but the Round Rock, Texas native calmly handled the first that rebounded out and collected the second to preserve the lead as the Aces captured the 2-0 win.

The win was Evansville first two-goal win on the road since a 2-0 victory at Belmont on Oct. 18, 2016.

Evansville comes back to Arad McCutchan Stadium on Sunday afternoon for Senior Day with a 2 PM contest with Drake.
 

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