By the looks of the second overtime against the University of Connecticut, you would never have guessed the Huskies were the No. 4 team in the nation.
Then No. 9, the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team dominated possession in extra time on Saturday, Sept. 13, but was unable to put away one of its many opportunities for the victory. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
“We had quality chances to win, but I’m still not upset,” head coach Dan Donigan said. “We really played with both sides of our team.”
Defensively, the Bills were able to shut down the 2007 National Player of the Year in O’Brian White, limiting him to just three shots on the game, none of which were on goal.
Juniors Tim Ream and Rob Viviano were in charge of containing the dangerous forward, who was the Huskies’ lone attackman. With two defenders covering White, the SLU wingbacks were able to push up and attack.
“We wanted to keep his back to the goal,” Ream said. “If he turns on you, then you’re done; he’ll go by you so quick.”
Donigan said the onslaught of SLU shots was a result of its quality defensive unit.
“We defended with 10 guys and our goalkeeper,” Donigan said. “I don’t care how talented you are offensively, a strong defense as a whole will be stronger.”
Senior Brandon Barklage led the SLU attack with six of its 15 total shots on the game. The Bills outshot UConn 15-6 and had 10 more corner kick opportunities than the Huskies.
Both teams suffered from injuries. UConn sat three of its starters, while SLU’s 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, Calum Angus, watched from the bench.
Freshman forward Jonas Reiter said UConn, because of its injured players, was playing “not to lose.”
“They were playing for the result,” Reiter said. “Their key guy couldn’t get anything going up top, and they had a couple of people hurt.”
The last time these two teams matched up two years ago, Angus, then a sophomore, posted a goal and an assist in SLU’s 5-1 victory.
No. 7 SLU (3-0-3) will look to continue its unbeaten streak Saturday, Sept. 20, against Denver at Robert R. Hermann Stadium at 7 p.m. It is the second game of a five-match homestand.
