OCT. 22, 2008
DES MOINES, IOWA ? Sophomore Matt Kuhn (Raytown, Mo.) scored two goals and added an assist as the Drake men's soccer team moved into first place in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 4-1 victory past nemesis Bradley in its home finale Wednesday night at the Cownie Soccer Complex.

The Bulldogs tied a school single-season record with their 11th victory, equaling the school mark for victories set by Drake teams in 1987 and 1993.

More importantly, Drake moved to 3-0-0 in the MVC entering a Nov. 1 showdown at second-place Creighton (2-0-1).

“It was a emotional night for several reasons,” said Drake soccer coach Sean Holmes. “It was the last home game in a season which has been defined by a never ending road trip. Combine that with Senior Night and the fact that we tied a school record for victories in a season made it very satisfying.”

Bradley had owned an eight-game unbeaten string (6-0-2) against Drake. Ironically, the Bulldogs' last victory against Bradley was by the same 4-1 margin Oct. 26, 2003.

“Another concern was to stay healthy as we prepare down the stretch with three games on the road in a short period of time,” Holmes added.

Drake, which stands 11-3, will begin a trek of three road games in eight days at Creighton Nov. 1 with other stops at Wisconsin Nov. 5 and Evansville Nov. 8.

With the road trip, including Drake's last two MVC games, Holmes said it was important for Drake to close out the league season undefeated at home.

“Because we finish the league season playing on the road, it was very important and pretty rewarding to pick up all nine full points in the league standings from playing at home,” Holmes added.

The Bulldogs, who entered the game leading the MVC in scoring, dominated play in the first half, outshooting Bradley, 14-0, to grab a 3-0 advantage.

“That was probably the best first half we played all year,” said Holmes. “For once we were rewarded with a sizeable lead.”

Kuhn scored the game's first goal at the 11:38 mark on a feed from freshman Hunter Kennedy (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

Junior Garrett Webb (Prairie Village, Kan.) gave Drake a 2-0 advantage in the 40th minute off an assist from junior Brian Wurst (Kansas City, Mo.). It was Webb's fifth goal of the season.

Drake increased the lead to 3-0 at the 43:21 mark when Kuhn fed sophomore Kenan Malicevic (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) who connected from three yards out.

“To have Matt explode for two goals was tremendous,” said Holmes. “Garrett Webb also was dominant.”

Kuhn added his second goal at the 75:46 mark on an assist from Michael Thaden (West Des Moines, Iowa).

Chris Cutshaw scored his ninth goal for Bradley which fell to 6-7-1, including a 1-2-0 MVC mark.