The Saint Louis Billikens women’s soccer team was not looking past its remaining hurdles before conference play this past weekend at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. On Friday, the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks, the Bills dropped a 1-0 decision to the Army Black Knights, bringing their season record to 1-4-1.
Despite the loss, the Bills held a 23-5 advantage in shots, including a 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. A season high in attendance was set, with 1,263 fans witnessing the match.
“We couldn’t finish. Our offense looked good but we couldn’t put it in the back of the net,” head coach Tim Champion said. Senior forward Kelly Waeckerle and senior midfielder Ashley Hayes both took four shots, but couldn’t put a tally on the board. The only offense of the game came in the 51st minute, when Army’s Christine O’ Leary scored from 35 yards out, unassisted. Billiken’s sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Perry was strong in the net for SLU with the exception of the one goal let up.
The following Sunday, Sept. 13, SLU faced off against the Air Force Academy Falcons, who were looking to improve their record from 1-4-1 as well. The Bills were locked in yet another defensive struggle, until Hayes scored with three minutes left to play. Hayes put a shot past Air Force keeper Charity Blanton’s left side, with the assist going to junior Ashley Brazil and senior Julia Bradenberg.
The win ended a four-game winless streak for the Bills, improving their record to 2-4-1. Once again the Billikens had a decisive edge in shots, besting Air Force 9-3.
Although the Billikens haven’t had the ideal offensive output, they remain optimistic about their passing and defense. “The defense and midfield have looked great. We’re starting three freshmen in the back, but they’re all good players. Eventually the shots will start going in if we keep moving the ball,” Champion said.
The team knew what needed to be done to pull out a win against Air Force. “We knew we needed to come out hard and score some big goals,” Brazil said.
The intensity never faded throughout the contest, and the defense remained as strong as ever, securing the win for the Billikens.
The Bills finish up their nonconference schedule on Sept. 18, at former Conference USA rival Memphis (4-2-0). Memphis has been ranked as high as 25th in the nation this season. The defending C-USA champions return eight starters from last year, and the Billikens know what kind of challenge they face.
“This is a really good test on the road, and great preparation for conference play,” Champion said.
The Billikens hope to compete for a conference championship of their own, although powers such as Dayton and Charlotte stand in the way.
Conference play begins Sept. 25, as the Bills take on LaSalle University at home.
