Issue date: 7/21/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of SIUE Photo Services Head Coach Bob Guelker is lifted by his teammates following SIUE's 3-2 National Championship win in 1979. The championship plaque can be seen to this day in the Vadalabene Center.

Don Ebert placed the ball at the 45-yard line on the defensive end of the field as he prepared to take the free kick.

When the whistle blew, Ebert began his stride and booted the ball forward and deep toward the goal box. The ball hung in the air for a moment, suspended as a number of SIUE and Clemson players timed their jumps to direct it. Finally, it found Tim Guelker's head and floated higher into the air.

Matt Malloy found it, positioned his head, and made history.

With 3:41 left in regulation, SIUE had taken a 3-2 lead, and Malloy had a hat trick.

"We were expecting Ebert to do most of the scoring, but Matt kind of broke out," former player Jeff Cacciatore said. "[Malloy] could score goals, but to have three in one game, that doesn't happen very often. I think we knew Matt could score it."

Clemson had dominated the majority of the second half, but Malloy, who was sprinting down the field and embracing his teammates, became the hero of the 1979 NCAA championship.

The referees quickly brought the teams back to mid-field as play resumed after a short premature celebration.

SIUE played keep away, and time ran out on the Clemson Tiger's season. The public address announcer at Tampa Stadium announced with about two minutes left Malloy, who Ebert referred to as the "quiet assassin," had been named the game's offensive player of the game. Tim Clark earned defensive honors.

Clemson was unable to mount any attack in the waning seconds, and suddenly it was over. The Cougars had a national championship.

"It was really a collective feeling of whatever you want to say," Rick Benben, the assistant coach at the time said. "The championship was being shared by everyone involved in the program."

The stereotypical championship celebration was taking place on the field, as confetti poured from the hands of SIUE fans who had made the trip. Benben said he and Head Coach Bob Guelker were met on the field by SIUE Chancellor Buzz Shaw and Athletic Director Ed Bigham. Legendary NCAA soccer coach Jerry Yeagley of Indiana made a point to congratulate the new champions as well.

Continued...

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