After finding success at Robert R. Hermann Stadium this season, the Saint Louis University women’s soccer team proved to be just as comfortable on the road. SLU walloped Southwest Missouri State, 5-1, in Springfield, MO., last night. SLU improved their record to 4-0 on the season.
The Billikens opened the scoring eight minutes into the match. Mandy Trokey hit a long lead pass near midfield to Kathy Musschoot. She who scored from six yards out.
SLU led 2-0 before the Bears knew what them it. Trokey scored the Bills’ second goal off a pass from Megan McNiff.
SMS’s April Lee scored to cut the Billikens’ lead to 2-1.
Both teams battled through the rest of the half, but failed to score. The Billikens led 2-1 at the half.
The Bills came out flying in the second half and finished their opportunities. SLU dominated possession in the second half and put the game out of reach.
Trokey added her second goal five minutes into the second half. Jenny Kehl assisted on the insurance goal.
Anne Lucier notched her first collegiate goal with 10 minutes left in the game. Melissa Gossman picked up the assist on the goal.
Kelly Young set up Musschoot’s second goal of the game with three minutes left in the match.
Meghann Burke recorded the victory in goal for the Billikens and improved her record to 4-0 on the season.
“It was a good match,” said coach Tim Champion. “We really picked up our work rate in the second half. We moved the ball better in the second half. I’m pleased with our effort tonight.”
The Billikens debuted another aspect of the team last Friday against Kansas. But it had nothing to do with set plays or strategy.
The Billikens showed their heart and desire as they came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Jayhawks 3-2.
“It was a great finish,” Champion said. “You hate to have these games. But we proved we can come back and win. We worked hard and scored great goals.”
SLU and Kansas battled through a scoreless first half. It was a physical battle that saw the Billikens dominate play. Both teams had chances to gain the advantage in the first half, but neither could capitalize.
Kansas took a 1-0 lead early in the second half on a penalty kick. Kansas’ Jennifer Ray barely beat a diving Burke low to the far side.
The Jayhawks scored again two minutes later. Carmel Kaplinger took a pass from Meghann Haven and beat Burke inside the near post.
After falling behind early in the second half, the Billikens could have given up.
The Billikens cut the lead to 2-1 19 minutes into the second half. Kehl collected the ball after a SLU corner. Carrie Carlson got behind the defense quickly and found a golden opportunity in front of her.
A wide-open Carlson gathered the pass from Kehl and found Kathleen Schager open in the box. Kansas goalie Layla Young made a diving save on her first shot, but Schager scored on the rebound.
“I was going to do anything to get the ball in the goal,” said Schager. “Carlson gave me a great ball.”
Lindsay Potrafke scored her first collegiate goal to tie the game with 19 minutes left in the match. Kehl hit a long pass to Potrafke. She broke in alone on the far side and scored inside the back right corner from 15 yards out.
“It was a high-pressure situation,” said Potrafke. “It was great to know that I put the team in a position to win with the goal.”
Musschoot tracked down the ball near the sideline and found Trokey with a great cross.
Trokey headed home the game-winner with a minute and a half left in the game.
“I saw the pass and wanted to make contact somehow. I knew we could win if we played our game,” Trokey said.
“The win showed us that we can play these teams, and, most of the time, win,” Trokey added.
SLU travels to Iowa on Sept. 10. Iowa is currently 4-0.
“Iowa will be a really good test for us,” Champion said. “They are ranked in the region and will be our toughest test to this point.”
“They have a big, strong team. We have to do whatever we can do to win. After we get through these games, we can see what we need to work on for our conference games,” Champion added.
