The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team hit a small speed bump in their drive toward the Conference USA title last weekend.
The Billikens lost to 16th-ranked Southern Methodist 2-0 in Dallas last Friday and played to a scoreless tie at Houston last Sunday.
The Mustangs took a 1-0 lead less that two minutes into the game. Sarah Harvey scored from Nicole Lamb and Lorrie Tipton. Harvey tipped in a centering pass.
Kim Harvey scored again for SMU with 15 minutes left in the game off a rebound after a corner kick.
“It was a really good game,” said head coach Tim Champion.
“We could have scored, but we didn’t. The game showed us the level that we’re at. If SMU is a top 20 team, then so are we.”
Champion added, “They scored early. We had four quality chances to score, but didn’t. Overall, I was happy with our play. They are a very good team. After the game the team had the feeling that we are just as good as them (SMU).”
With the match, the Billikens fell to 9-3-1 overall. SMU moved to 9-3 overall.
SLU looked to rebound from their first two game losing streak of the season against Houston.
The Billikens battled through the physical match, but both teams failed to score. With the match against the Cougars, SLU finished a difficult stretch of five games in nine days.
Goalie Meghann Burke recorded six saves for the Billikens and notched her eighth shutout of the season.
SLU improved to 9-3-2 overall and 5-0-2 in C-USA games and are in second place in conference. Houston improved to 6-7-1 overall and 2-4-1 in C-USA.
“It was the end of a long week for us,” Champion said. “We were just physically beat. Houston is a really physical team. The second half was just a mass of fouls.”
Champion added, “It was a difficult game. But I’m happy we stuck with it. Our last four games were against quality teams.
“The last stretch will be good when we get to the conference tournament when we have to play three games in four days against quality opponents,” Champion said.
The Billikens look to regain their winning ways against C-USA rivals DePaul and Marquette this weekend.
SLU plays DePaul Friday at 3 p.m. in Chicago. The Blue Demons are 3-8-0 overall and 2-4 in conference play and are in ninth place in the conference.
The Billikens defeated DePaul 1-0 in overtime last year at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
Megan McNiff, who scored the game-winner last year, said about DePaul, “Any team is tough on their home field. We’re anxious about the game. We need something to bounce back from last weekend. We can’t look past them. DePaul’s an important game.”
“DePaul is the most difficult place to play in the conference,” said Champion.
“The field is only 65 yards wide with a softball field in one end. It will be a tough game.”
“DePaul is important,” Burke said. “We need to get ourselves back on track. It gives us a good chance to get a good win before Marquette.”
The Billikens then travel to nationally-ranked Marquette for a match on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Golden Eagles are 12-2-0 overall and 6-0-0 in C-USA and are in first place in the conference. SLU tied Marquette 1-1 at home last season.
“This game could be for the conference championship,” Champion said. “Marquette’s ranked 18th now. It will be a good game. Our styles are similar. This is just another road game for us. We’ve played every tough game we’ve had this season on the road. Considering that, I’m happy with the way our season’s going.”
The Bills return home for their final homestand next weekend against Memphis on Oct. 20 and UAB on Oct. 22.
