The Saint Louis Billikens men’s soccer team hasn’t had much luck during their past few home openers – failing to notch a win in the last three years. This year proved to be no exception.
The No. 21 Bills looked to get their season off on the right note against the University of New Mexico after posting a solid 1-1-0 record in exhibition games. Coming off of a strong year with an 11-6-2 record and returning seven starters, the Lobos (1-0-0) proved to be just as formidable on the field as they are on paper, defeating SLU 3-0 at Robert R. Hermann Stadium on Sept. 2.
“Tonight was unacceptable for our standards of play, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we improve,” said Billiken Head Coach Dan Donigan. “The attack wasn’t there. The guys were working hard, but you have to think and work hard at the same time. The only positive is that this is the first game. We have room to improve over the course of the season.”
After 35 minutes of tight defense from both sides, New Mexico defender Simon Ejdemyr put the ball past Saint Louis keeper Ross Kauffman on a penalty kick. The chance was awarded after a New Mexico attacker was taken down inside the box.
The Lobos retained their lead for the rest of the half, despite chances for both sides getting on the board.
Aside from the one allowed goal, Kauffman made four saves in the first half. He would stop a total of eight shots in the game.
The second half started off with more Lobo offensive output. Immediately after the 50-minute mark, New Mexico midfielder Justin Davis dribbled down the left side and put in a strike from 10 yards out. Michael Green recorded the assist on the goal.
The Lobos tallied again 11 minutes later, when forward P.J. Wilson scored on a short tap-in, after being set up by a pass from James Urbany. This goal put the final touches on New Mexico’s attack, sealing the score at 3-0.
The Billikens showed some potency on offense in the last 20 minutes of the second half by advancing the ball well and controlling the momentum, but their shots either went errant or were saved by New Mexico goalie Justin Fite.
The Billikens had a tough time penetrating the New Mexico defense and getting clean looks at the goal. New Mexico remained on the attack for most of the night and set the pace, outshooting the Bills 15-9.
The Billikens committed only seven fouls compared to the Lobos’ 14.
The team will look to bounce back for their upcoming five-game road trip, which includes two games this week in the Nike Portland Invitational in Oregon.
The team’s next home game is not until Sept. 26 when the Bills will host Tulsa for Homecoming.
