Saluki Soccer kicks off with a home opener against Lindenwood

The first official contest of the Fall 2022 Saluki sports calendar saw Saluki soccer (0-1) drop a close match 2-0 against the Lindenwood Lions(1-0) at the Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex on Thursday evening.

Thursday’s contest represented the beginning of new chapters for both programs; the Salukis began their fourth season of existence and first under new head coach Craig Roberts, while the Lions played their first match since transitioning to Division I play this year.

After both teams struggled to get going in the first half, Lindenwood found the back of the net twice in the second half with goals in the 53rd and 59th minutes. Sandwiched in between these scores were several chances by the Salukis to respond, including two shots on goal in thirty seconds off the foot of returning junior Sam Dodd.

While the Salukis had more opportunities near the net, Lindenwood made more of its runs. SIU outshot the Lions 9-5, but the shots on goal advantage favored the visitors 4-3.

Another key factor in the match was Southern Illinois’s discipline. It was called for fouls 13 times to Lindenwood’s 4. Six of the baker’s dozen came in the final 20 minutes of play.

The loss adds to what is now a 26-match winless streak dating back to 2020. The next opportunity to end that drought will come on Sunday when the Salukis travel to Louisville, Kentucky, to take on Bellarmine. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. and will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Staff reporter Brandyn Wilcoxen can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @BrandynWilcoxen

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