Best of luck to any team trying to stop or at least contain the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team, because it is going to need it.
Last night the Billikens took on Eastern Illinois and continued to play “lights out” soccer. After starting off slowly and primarily controlling the ball in their own end, SLU slowly started to create some chances. In the 9th minute Jason Cole was able to somehow get a pass to the top of the box, where Jack Jewsbury sent a laser shot into the back right corner of the net. As the game moved along, so did its physicality, as numerous fouls were called on both squads. But even the pushing couldn’t stop the Bills from tacking on another goal just before the half.
Kevin Wickart made a great pass to Jewsbury, who saw Nick Walls streaking down the right side and made a pass for him. After two touches, Walls sent a shot past the Panthers goalkeeper to give the Bills a 2-0 lead at the half.
Just as in the first half, the game was intensely physical in the second half. Both teams were issued yellow cards.
Despite the warnings, SLU continued to be aggressive and in the 81st minute it paid off. Cole was able to put in his 5th goal of the year and less than eight minutes later, in the final minute of play, Cole buried goal number six of the year. Both of Cole’s goals were passes from Wickart, who recorded three assists on the evening. Martin Hutton also notched his 4th consecutive shutout as he was supported again by amazing defense.
“We did a good job playing defense tonight (Wednesday),” said coach Dan Donigan, “If we defend well, we will win the game. We are really limiting teams to a low number of shots, which is great.” Not only is the defense solid, but Cole is playing solid offense and continues to score every game since being moved up to forward a few weeks back.
“I love being able to run at people, that’s what makes the game fun. There’s nothing better than beating a guy one-on-one,” said Cole. Not only did he do that last night, he also did it last weekend.
Last Saturday the Bills traveled to Louisville to take on the reeling Cardinals and played the type of soccer SLU fans have become accustomed to seeing the last few weeks. After using the first half to adjust to playing without the home crowd of Robert R. Hermann Stadium, the Bills were able to get a goal in the opening minutes of the second half. In the 57th minute Cole connected on his fourth goal of the season off a pass from defender Wickart to give the Bills the lead,
1-0. Cole would strike again in the 81st minute as he made a great move from within the Cardinals’ box and sent a nearly perfect cross to the opposite post, where transfer and Louisville native, Ntando Tsambo, dove and knocked a header into the back of the net, making the score 2-0.
That’s all the offense SLU would need as Hutton notched his third shutout of the season.
“At Louisville, pretty much everyone played well,” Donigan said. “We continue to have patience and play our game, and that’s what we did.” Everyone did play well, but again it was Cole who found the spotlight with another goal and an assist.
“Jason has been very big for us. Having played in the back for his first three years, and then to move up top, has not only helped him, but the team as well. He’s made a great adjustment for this team,” Donigan said. But other teams don’t seem to be making that adjustment.
The next to try will be 12th ranked Drury who comes in to face the Bills Saturday at 7 p.m. at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. Drury has improved their record to 7-1-1 over the last few weeks, and they know that every game is a must-win.
And as the Bills continue to dominate anyone that crosses their path, other teams are going to have to find other ways to slow them down, because containment doesn’t seem to be working.
