Never have games that didn’t count meant so much.
“We started out (the spring season) with weaknesses and built up to how we played against Notre Dame,” said goalkeeper Meghann Burke.
“Looking at what we had, and the way we played this spring, we realized that we aren’t far off. Everyone’s so focused now,” Burke said.
“The true test will be in November and December,” Burke said.
“The fall should be a whole new level for SLU women’s soccer,” Burke said.
The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team ended its exhibition season with a 1-1 tie with Evansville last Saturday.
The Billikens opened the scoring 15 minutes into the game. Midfielder Katie Zaegel won the ball at midfield and beat two Evansville defenders to open a passing lane.
Zaegel slid a pass through to freshman forward Anne Lucier. Lucier took the ball in the slot and beat the keeper.
Evansville tied the contest with five minutes left in the first half. The Purple Aces hit a corner across the post and into the box.
A scramble ensued in front of the goal. Evansville was open in the middle and tied the contest, 1-1.
Both teams battled through a windy, scoreless second half to ensure the tie.
“It was an even game all around,” said coach Tim Champion. “Evansville was comparable to Purdue and Indiana. They’re as good as the top teams on our schedule.”
“Because of their conference, Evansville doesn’t get the credit that it deserves,” Champion added.
“If Evansville were in the Big Ten, they’d be ranked in the top 20. It was a good game for us because they’re on our schedule next season.”
“We played well. We struggled moving the ball in the second half,” said back Megan McNiff.
“It was a good note to end the season on.”
The spring games proved to be productive for the Billikens.
“We got a chance to look at the younger players. All the freshmen did a great job this spring.
“It was a good opportunity for them to get on the field and get a lot of playing time,” Champion said.
The Billikens will play on their own this summer, either for their club teams at home or in the premier league in St. Louis.
SLU will begin preseason training in mid-August.
The Billikens will play their first exhibition game at Southeast Missouri State on Aug. 24. They will tentatively open the season on Aug. 31.
Next season can’t come soon enough for SLU.
“I’d be happy if preseason started tomorrow,” Burke said.
“Preseason should be interesting. Next year, it won’t be enough to fill a role.
“We want to have a successful team. If you want a role, you have to work for it. I expect nothing short of advancing through the NCAA Tournament.
“We’re in a position where it’s up to us,” Burke said.
“We have a good core of people coming back next year and players coming back from Spain,” McNiff said.
“We have good recruits coming in at positions we need. Everyone’s coming out of spring and looking forward to fall,” McNiff said.
“I’m excited about next year,” Champion said.
“With the players we have coming in and the majority of the team coming back, we will have a lot of experience and depth,” Champion said.
“I expect to compete for the Conference USA title and to get into the NCAA Tournament,” Champioin said.
