KIRKSVILLE, Mo.—The Truman men's soccer team returned home on Friday afternoon to host Southern Indiana, the first of four straight home matchups to close the regular season. A first minute goal by the Screaming Eagles set the tone for the game and the visitors took the win 4-1.
SIU got on the board just 38 seconds into the game as Colten Walsh picked up his first goal of the season—assisted by Eric Ramirez and Sean Rickey. The ball went off Truman keeper Julian Echeverri and hit the crossbar before ending up in the back of the net. After 15 minutes of spirited play from both sides, SIU got on the board again as Rickey picked up his fifth goal of the season with a shot from the edge of the box that crept through Echeverri's legs for the goal. Truman answered quickly as Jeff Masters picked up his third goal of the season that went across the box and into the corner of the net.
Joey Keane came on in relief of Echeverri, and from there he kept SIU off the board the rest of the half. Truman went into the intermission still within striking range at 2-1.
It did not take long for SIU to strike in the second half either. Zach Barton needed just 86 seconds to restore the two goal lead, with Adam Becker picking up the assist. SIU all but finished the game in the 78th minute as Drew Albert scored the final goal of the contest, putting the game out of reach. It was his second goal of the season and Becker picked up his second assist of the game.
Truman finished the game with nine shots, three on goal. Keane made six saves of the seven saves for the Bulldogs. Masters, Collin McDonough and Zach Vahlkamp each recorded a shot on goal in the game.
The Bulldogs will face conference leading McKendree at Truman Soccer Park on Sunday at noon as they look to get back on track.
