The Saint Louis University men’s soccer team was tested Saturday night. They passed the test by defeating the Memphis Tigers 3-2 in front of an ecstatic crowd of 4,481 at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
The Billikens found themselves trailing Memphis twice throughout the game but were able to overcome the Tigers attack in the second period, pushing their record to 8-0-0. SLUs undefeated record gives them their best start since 1983. This victory, however, was as well earned as any.
“This team showed me some character and mental toughness after trailing at halftime. When we came bouncing out of the locker room and were pumped up on the field prior to the second half, I knew we were going to be a different team,” coach Dan Donigan said in a press release.
They have acted like a different team Saturday but they produced the same old result. Senior Dipsy Selolwane, junior Jack Jewsbury and sophomore Brad Davis were back in scoring mode as they each pounded one in for the Billikens.
SLU began the second half trailing 2-1, but a costly mistake by Memphis’ goalkeeper Clark Talley gave Davis the opportunity to equalize the score. Talley was called for punting the ball outside the goalie’s box. Senior Mike Hill recorded his second assist of the game by tapping the ball to Davis, who then rifled a shot just inside the right post.
Just eight minutes later, Dipsy Selowane was tackled as he was attempting a breakaway. In the ensuing penalty kick, Selolwane sent a masterpiece through the upperhalf of the goal, putting the Billikens ahead for good at 3-2. By scoring Saturday, Selowane has now scored in eight consecutive games.
Memphis did not show up at Hermann Stadium timid by any means. Only three minutes into the game Sean Fraser chased after a long ball, then swerved around a SLU defender and was able to punch in a 12-foot goal past senior goalkeeper John Politis. But less than 10 minutes later, Jewsbury rebounded a Hill shot and sent the game-tying goal past Talley.
The Tigers’ Lars Thorstenson recycled Ken Matsuba’s deep shot, stepped around Politis and tapped in a 6-yard shot that put Memphis ahead at the 28-minute mark. That would be the last time Memphis led.
Politis was impressive once again in goal despite ending his streak of not allowing a goal in 208 minutes. For the first time all season, he yielded two goals in one game, but his two saves proved pivotal in the Billikens’ victory.
The Billikens will travel to Cincinnati this weekend to play another important Conference USA match against the Bearcats at 6 p.m. The Bearcats (2-4-3) are led by midfielder Wiremu Patrick and forward Shane Curran.
Cincinnati goalkeeper Sacha Nathu was C-USA’s Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Kentucky. SLU will go into Saturday night’s match-up ranked second in collegesoccer.com’s media poll. But despite their high ranking, the Billikens know they have a tough test ahead of them once again.
“We are a better team than they are, but every conference opponent we play makes for a good game. It will be a tough challenge, but we will come out to play,” senior midfielder Dave Beck said.
In a news release, Donigan agreed that it would be tough playing on the road at Cincinnati.
“Playing at Cincinnati has always been difficult, because they generally have been outstanding defensively. The games tend to be close, and a mistake or a breakdown can lead to a loss,” Donigan said.
Last year the two teams played to a scoreless tie here in St. Louis. This year the Billikens hope to improve on that performance and pass their next test.
