Most collegiate soccer teams would be happy to win 50 percent of
their games away from home.

One can imagine how excited the Saint Louis University men’s
soccer team is to be undefeated in their first four road games of
the season, three of which came against top 20 teams.

In going undefeated in their first four contests, the Billikens
won two tournaments, had five different players named to tournament
teams, and also had multiple players recognized by the conference
and national publications.

This past weekend the Bills traveled to play in the Furman
tournament and on Friday night, they took on a very talented
Clemson squad.

Despite numerous scoring chances for both teams in the first
half, the score was knotted at zero. The Bills were able to get
their first goal in the 51st minute when Casey Spiess sent a
centering pass across the middle where John DiRaimondo glided the
ball past the keeper to give the Billikens a 1-0 lead.

Play continued with SLU having numerous chances to score before
they finally did in the 72nd minute. Freshman Will John made a
wonderful pass to fellow freshman Vedad Ibisevic, who was able to
put in a volley from six yards out.

The game ended 2-0 in favor of the Billikens and goalie Martin
Hutton collected his second shutout of the season.

On Sunday, SLU took on host Furman in the final match of the
tournament.

The score was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation and Furman took
control in the overtime period.

Andy Pusateri, however, made a heroic defensive play when he
deflected a centering pass, which headed towards numerous Furman
players in front of the net, over the end line and out of
bounds.

SLU was able to get something going a few minutes later as
Ibisevic was able to find John in the penalty area, where John put
in a spectacular shot from about 15 yards out, giving the Bills the
victory in the match and in the tournament. Pusateri was the
defensive MVP of the tournament and John was the offensive MVP.

“Each game we are getting better. The players are getting more
comfortable with each other, they are getting quicker– just the
overall performance continues to improve,” said assistant coach
Mike Sorber.

Even with the constant improvement, there are still things that
the young Billikens need to improve on.

“We need to get quicker in transition, from defense to offense
and offense to defense,” Sorber said. “We need to continue to
provide team pressure, which is part of transition, at the right
time.”

What has also been amazing thus far this season is the play of
the underclassmen, namely the freshman.

With seven freshmen or sophomores starting every game and even
more coming off the bench, the young players have been
exceptional.

“[The freshmen] have given us a fresh look, but each player from
freshman to sophomore to junior to senior is a soccer player,”
Sorber said.

By going out and doing their jobs, accepting their roles and
playing well in each player’s role, has made us a more cohesive
club,” Sorber said.

SLU will play their first regular season home match at Robert R.
Hermann Stadium this Saturday, with the kickoff at 7 p.m. The
Billikens will again take on a top 25 opponent Florida
International University. FIU, after starting the season with a
loss, has not lost a match, and moved into the top 25 early this
week.

The Golden Panthers have knocked off their last three opponents,
La Salle, San Francisco and Virginia Commonwealth by the combined
score of 12-3, allowing each team only one goal in each contest and
dominating all three in every offensive and defensive facet of the
game.

The Golden Panthers are a high scoring team that will put points
on the board and are going to give SLU an excellent game.

“They are a very offensive, creative team with an international
flair.

“They are another team that knows how to play, puts points on
the board and provides us with another challenge,” Sorber said.

Saturday night will be another challenge for the Billikens, and
they are not taking this game lightly. However, for the first time
this season, they have something their opponent does not–home
field advantage.

Next Up
Who: Florida International University (3-1)

When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Robert R. Hermann Stadium