The Billiken Women’s Soccer Team has had a tough start to the season, going 0-2 in their first two match-ups against Penn and Ohio State, respectively, this last weekend.

Head coach Tim Champion was not disappointed with SLU’s effort, and he mentioned that early season struggles are a part of a young team’s growth.

“Our team played very well,” Champion said, “We need to mature a little bit.” He has no doubt about the team as a whole this year, “We can compete; early season gives our younger players a chance to step up.”

The injury to sophomore Julia Bradenberg, picked as a preseason all A-10 performer, unquestionably has had an impact on this early segment of the season. Champion, though, looks at it as an opportunity.

“The injuries set us back a little bit,” Champion said. “We will be deeper in the long run once conference play starts.”

The squad moves on to host Southern Methodist University in its home opener tonight, and then travels to Jefferson City to face Missouri State on Sunday.