A popular saying we all know is as follows: If it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it. Well, that is pretty much the motto of the St. Louis
University Men’s soccer team thus far this season.
Last weekend the Billikens continued their winning ways, and
they did so in the style that they have used all season: play solid
defensively, convert on prime offensive opportunities and play the
style of soccer that has moved them from 14th in the nation to
third, in just a matter of three weeks.
In their first home match of the season, the team took the pitch
versus Florida International University, marking the fourth
consecutive game that the Bills played a ranked opponent.
FIU was coming off lopsided victories over some of the top teams
in the nation and wanted nothing more than to come into Hermann
Stadium and upend the Billikens.
Vedad Ibisevic put the Billikens on the board early in the first
half. After receiving a great pass from John DiRaimondo, Ibisevic
juked a defender and lofted the ball over the keeper’s outstretched
arms to give SLU a 1-0 lead.
The half continued with plenty of shots on goal for both teams.
The Golden Panthers had six more corner kicks than the Billikens,
but they were not able to convert any for goals and in the first 45
minutes the Bills, and the Golden Panthers managed to put the same
amount of shots on goal: six.
The half ended with St. Louis holding on to the one-goal
lead.
The second half was much like the first, with both teams putting
pressure on the opposing goalies. Martin Hutton continued his
consistent play, holding the high scoring FIU offense in check.
The best scoring opportunity that the Golden Panthers had in the
game came in the closing minutes. A shot by Carron Williams slid
under a diving Hutton and rolled along the goal line before SLU’s
defense was able to clear the ball.
With less than 10 seconds to play. Ibisevic got into open field,
and with Florida International’s keeper playing up towards
midfield, he was able to put a shot on goal that went in after time
had expired.
Although the goal didn’t count, the fans jumped to their feet to
celebrate the another SLU victory.
Hutton recorded his third consecutive shutout, and his fourth on
the year, which led to his second C-USA defensive player of the
week award. Hutton, along with SLU’s defense, has helped the
Billikens remain undefeated.
The Bills will continue to focus on their solid defense as well
as capitalize on their explosive offense as the team opens up their
conference schedule this Saturday in Charlotte.
Despite their 2-3 record, Charlotte is the top team in C-USA as
they have already posted wins over East Carolina and South
Florida.
The Billikens are 9-2-0 all time versus the 49ers, and they are
3-1-0 at Charlotte’s home, Transamerica Field.
As long as the Billikens play their game, they should return
home with another victory.
If these trends continue, the Billikens are not going to need
fixing anytime soon.
C-USA Season Opener
Who: University of North Carolina-Charlotte 49ers
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Charlotte, N. C.
