The Conference USA schedule makers proved to be good prognosticators if one looks at this weekend’s slate of games.
The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team faces its toughest challenges of the year when third-place South Florida and first-place North Carolina-Charlotte roll into town this weekend.
The Billikens stand in fourth place with a 5-1-2 record in the conference and an 11-2-3 overall mark.
“These are two really big games. We’re through the major part of our schedule. We can see where we’re at and where we’ll be seeded.
“We can see what we need to do to win the Conference USA tournament,” said coach Tim Champion.
The Bills face C-USA rivals South Florida on Friday at 7 p.m. and UNCC at 1 p.m. on Senior Day, Sunday, at the Billiken Sports Center.
South Florida is 6-2-0 in C-USA and 10-5-0 overall. The Bulls are tied for third in C-USA.
“They are very direct. They push the ball forward and expose the back. If you take advantage of that, you can score,” Champion said.
UNCC is 8-0-0 in C-USA and 11-3-0 overall. The 49ers are in first place in the conference. They could be the Bills toughest opponent this season.
“UNC-Charlotte is the best team in conference. They’re undefeated and beginning to receive national votes,” Champion said. “The game could be for conference.”
He added, “They are strong and physical. They have good speed and some big kids on the team.”
Last week, the Bills extended their six-game winning streak with a 1-1 tie at Alabama-Birmingham and a 1-0 shutout victory at Memphis.
Last Friday, the Bills traveled to Alabama-Birmingham. The Blazers opened the scoring 18 minutes into the second half. Melissa Sherrell scored off a scramble off a corner kick.
The Bills tied the game with 12 seconds left in regulation. Kelly Young hit a 50 yard drive to Trisha Underberg. She slid a shot past the goalie and three defenders.
Both teams played two scoreless overtime periods to preserve the tie.
“It was back-and-forth. We had good chances, but didn’t finish early,” Champion said. “(But) it’s better to finish late than not at all.”
The Billikens visited Memphis last Sunday. The lone goal came with 10 minutes remaining in the match. Katie Stewart hit a bomb from 25 yards out into a 30-mile-per- hour wind that beat the goalie over the top.
“We didn’t play well, but we won. We controlled the game. We dominated but just couldn’t finish,” Champion said.
“Both teams looked tired. It was a long week for us. We played four games in eight days.”
Meghann Burke recorded the tie and shutout victory for the Bills. For her efforts last week, Burke was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week and to Soccer America’s Team of the Week.
She gave up one goal in 300 minutes last week and recorded eight saves in the tie against UAB and one save in the shutout win at Memphis.
Champion is looking forward to this important weekend for the Bills and for Conference USA.
“The top four teams play each other this weekend. We have chances to see them play,” Champion said.
“We can look at the top teams and see where we place.”
