(APRIL 26, 2025 | PEORIA, IL) – Bradley came out on top on the scoreboard, but Peoria City accounted for all of the scoring during the inaugural Shea Classic to kick off the CEFCU College Series Saturday afternoon at Shea Stadium.
In Peoria City’s first-ever game versus a college opponent, the Flying Carp rolled out a lineup that included a limited number of players already rostered for the summer combined with another group of players participating as trailists. In its final game of the 2025 collegiate spring season, Bradley earned a 2-1 win in front of 725 fans, who enjoyed a fun matchup on a sunny spring afternoon between the two teams to call Shea Stadium home.
Although Peoria City took the loss, all three goals were scored in the first half by players who will wear City’s black and copper this summer. Peoria City returning forward DJ Koulai opened the scoring for Bradley midway through the half and 2025 Carp newcomer Mitch Coughlon delivered what proved to be the game-winning goal minutes later for the Braves.
City pulled to within 2-1 late in the first half when 2024 USL League Two All-Star Luke Persenico lofted the ball into the penalty area from the right flank. Former Egyptian professional Shady Omar rose above the fray to head the ball off the right crossbar and UIC forward Joshua Torres cleaned up the loose ball for the goal.
Peoria City will complete the inaugural CEFCU College Series Saturday by hosting Big Ten Conference member Northwestern in a 3:00 pm matchup at Shea Stadium. The game against the Wildcats is included in Peoria City’s 2025 season-ticket men’s games and bundled men’s and women’s packages. Single-game tickets are $6 for general admission and Shea Brigade endzone seating and $25 for Fieldside Grandstand seats on the field. All season and single-game tickets are available for purchase in advance at peoriacitysoccer.com.
Shea Stadium’s tailgate parking lot will open at noon Saturday and the stadium gates will open at two o’clock.
