Redhawks rout SIU-E to remain atop OVC

~ The Southeast soccer team defeated SIU-Edwardsville 4-0 to stay unbeaten in conference play

The Southeast Missouri State soccer team is playing so well the Redhawks can dominate even when they don't have their leading scorer on the field.

Freshman sensation Erin Shulman, second in the Ohio Valley Conference with nine goals, hobbled off about 15 minutes into Sunday's game against visiting SIU-Edwardsville. She did not return.

Southeast, undaunted, went on to blitz the Cougars 4-0 in front of about 300 fans at Houck Stadium. All four goals came after Shulman left.

The Redhawks improved to 8-2-1 overall and 4-0 in OVC play as they maintained their hold on first place. They have outscored league opponents 11-1.

Southeast Missouri State's Amy Ward beams as she is hugged by teammates Courtney Luehmann, center, and Jacey Boyko after scoring against SIU-Edwardsville during the second half Sunday at Houck Stadium. Goalkeeper Courtney VonderHaar reacts to the goal. (Fred Lynch)

"We're playing great. We've been playing good all season," senior midfielder Lauren Bozesky said. "We've been consistent, which is good. We've got really good team chemistry.

"We had a great preseason and we have some great additions. I'm not surprised at all by how we're playing."

One of those additions is Shulman, who scored the only goal during Friday's 1-0 home win over Eastern Illinois.

Shulman twisted an ankle Sunday. Southeast coach Heather Nelson said she believes the injury is minor but didn't want to take any chances.

"We have depth. That's one of the good things about this team," Nelson said.

Senior forward Jessie Crabtree, another of Southeast's additions after playing the past three seasons at Missouri, said she was only worried initially when Shulman left.

"I was nervous for about two minutes," Crabtree said. "But I have confidence in this team. ... not that we don't need her."

Crabtree, like Bozesky, is not surprised with how the experienced Redhawks are performing.

"I expected it. I went into the season with confidence because of the players we have," Crabtree said. "I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

Bozesky got Southeast on the board in the 19th minute when she blasted a free kick from a little more than 25 yards out. The shot found the top corner of the net.

Southeast made it 2-0 with just over two minutes left in the half when Marion (Ill.) natives Crabtree and sophomore forward Stephanie Palmer hooked up.

Crabtree's header sprung Palmer behind the SIUE defense. Palmer fired a shot that keeper Claire Lovercheck sprawled to stop.

But the ball squirted away from Lovercheck. Crabtree was right there to tap it in the net from a few yards out for her fifth goal of the season. It was Palmer's second assist of the year.

Bozesky scored again, her fourth goal of the season, on a blast from about 30 yards out with a little more than 21 minutes remaining in the game.

"After Erin went out, Lauren really stepped up," Nelson said.

Southeast capped the scoring sophomore midfielder Amy Ward's first goal of the year, from about 25 yards, with just under nine minutes left. Freshman midfielder Torey Byrd recorded her third assist, tied for the team lead.

The Redhawks have 23 goals in 11 matches after scoring 24 goals in 18 contests last season.

"It's exciting to be scoring so many goals," Crabtree said.

But Bozesky emphasized that it's not just the offense propelling the Redhawks.

Southeast, which outshot SIUE (3-5-1, 1-3) 17-6, has allowed only seven goals. Sophomore keeper Ashton Aubuchon made two routine saves to post her OVC-leading fifth shutout.

"It's not just that we're scoring a lot. Our defense has been great all season," Bozesky said. "In games where we haven't scored much, the defense has bailed us out."

"The team is playing really well right now," Nelson said. "To have such an experienced team with such leadership. ... it's a lot of fun. I'm enjoying the ride."

Southeast returns to action Friday when it visits defending OVC regular-season champion Morehead State.