Cougars Capture Second Straight Bronze Boot Game

Cougars Capture Second Straight Bronze Boot Game

September 9, 2024, 10:00 AM

The Bronze Boot is staying in Edwardsville. SIUE men's soccer blanked No. 19 Saint Louis 1-0 at CITYPARK Sunday to win the Joseph Carenza, Sr. Trophy for the second consecutive year.

The Cougars improved to 1-2-1 with the win. Saint Louis also is 1-2-1.

Yasha Shaerer's 62nd minute penalty kick goal was the lone score as the Cougars have won back-to-back games in the series for the first time since consecutive wins in 1979 and 1980. Since the series resumed in 2018, the two teams each have two wins and two losses. There also has been two ties.

Shaerer's penalty kick came after Nacho Abeal was fouled in the box on an attack from the left side.

Saint Louis outshot the Cougars 13-4 in the game, including holding a 7-1 advantage in the second half. The Billikens put four shots on goal, all of which were turned away by SIUE goalkeeper Rob Gjelaj. Gjelaj recorded his first win and shutout in a Cougar uniform.

SIUE's four shots came from four different players. Shaerer and Nacho Abeal each had a shot on frame for SIUE.

Jackson Delkus managed a pair of shots on goal for Saint Louis. SLU goalkeeper Jeremi Abbonel made a single save.

The Cougars go back on the road to face Memphis. The game is rematch of last year's first round NCAA tournament game won by the Tigers in Memphis.

PHOTO: 2024 SIUE men's soccer team