The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team prepares for the home stretch of their Conference USA schedule this week after tough nonconference games last week.
Coach Tim Champion said, “The games (this weekend) will help determine conference. They are two tough places to play.”
The Billikens earned road victories over Drury College, 2-1, and Evansville University, 1-0. The wins gave SLU an overall record of 10-2-2
In the game versus Drury, the Billikens opened the scoring 11 minutes into the game.
Katie Stewart received a pass off a corner kick and fired a shot that was stopped. But Jenny Kehl deflected the rebound in from five yards away.
Drury tied the game 25 minutes into the match. Jeni Porter scored off a high shot just under the crossbar.
The Billikens scored the final goal 10 minutes later, on a goal by Laura Wiedemeier.
Kelly Young took a free kick and hit a soft roller past the outside of Drury’s wall. Wiedemeier buried the shot inside the far post from five yards out.
Both teams played a scoreless second half, but the Bills had their chances.
Kathy Musschoot had a breakaway off a scramble. Her shot was stopped, but the rebound bounced to Sara Swindle. Her shot was stopped by a defender.
Champion said, “Overall, I was a little disappointed. But you hit games where you don’t play well. If you win, great.”
SLU came back strong against Evansville on Tuesday. Trisha Underberg scored the lone goal 14 minutes into the second half.
Jenni Toth drove through the defense. Goalie Katie Howard came out on Toth and was caught out of position.
Toth passed to Wiedemeier, who crossed to Underberg. She chested the pass down and chipped the shot over Howard into the upper corner.
Champion said, “We played real well. It was a tightly contested game. We moved the ball better. They (Evansville) were very direct. They played hard and physical.”
“Trisha played a great game,” Champion said. “She was dominating.”
He also added, “Our wide backs-Holly Houston, Melissa Gossman, and Katie McDonnell-played real well,” Champion said.
The Bills return to Conference USA play this weekend, taking on Alabama-Birmingham and Memphis.
“UAB is 4-2 right now. It’s one team we need to beat to win conference,” Champion said.
The Billikens battle the Tigers on Sunday. “We’ve struggled with Memphis the last two years.” Champion noted.
“It’s hard to win on the road. Hopefully, we can win a few games on the road and come home to finish up conference play.”
