Success in spring will hopefully lead to success in the fall.
The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team’s offense exploded this past Saturday with a 5-0 over Indiana State and a 3-0 win over Illinois State in Terre Haute, Ind.
“We played two good games,” said freshman forward Jamie Perry. “We worked the ball better than we had been. We’ve had good practices.”
“We had eight goals as a team and two shutouts,” said junior midfielder Jenny Kehl. “Our offense put together a good weekend. We put a lot of shots together.”
The Indiana State Sycamores played flat at the back throughout the game and the Billikens took advantage. The Billikens scored all five goals in the first half.
SLU took a 1-0 lead when Perry made a slot run and beat ISU’s keeper.
Sophomore forward Anny Lucier gave SLU a 2-0 lead on a run through the slot and beat the Sycamores goalkeeper.
Lucier gave SLU a 3-0 lead. She hit a 25-yard bomb on the right side.
Kehl broke in and took a shot on goal. The shot beat ISU’s keeper, but a Sycamore defender tried to stop the shot. The ball deflected off the defender, but still had enough on it to roll in and make the score 4-0.
SLU rounded out the scoring when Perry made a slot run and beat the keeper.
“We had a lot of pressure on them throughout the game,” said coach Tim Champion. “This was the big difference between this and a lot of games. We had games where you say that we could have been up by five at half. This was one of those games. We moved the ball. It was a more one-sided game. We finished our chances.”
Illinois State didn’t fare any better later that day. The Billikens’ offense continued click as SLU took a 1-0 lead.
Perry beat a defender and was pulled down in the box. She was awarded a penalty kick and gave SLU a 1-0 lead.
SLU seized a 2-0 lead on a goal by Lucier. SLU played a deadball, and Lucier flicked it past the Redbirds’ keeper.
Kehl rounded out the scoring. Junior back Megan McNiff fed Lucier. Lucier made a 30-yard run while Kehl made a weakside run. Lucier found Kehl who scored on a 20-yard shot from the right side corner.
“It was more of an even game,” Champion said. “They won the MVC last year. They’re a good team and played well against us.
“The team played well,” said Lucier. “The defense had great clears and saves. They created opportunities, and we were able to finish. It was encouraging that we finished and played well.”
The Billikens continue their spring schedule on April 20 with contest against Southeast Missouri State at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. Their final game is April 22 against Lindenwood at home.
