With both the Saint Louis University men’s and women’s soccer teams nearly halfway done with their respective campaigns, both squads are undoubtedly mildly disappointed with their records. Coaches and players surely expected to see a higher number in the wins column.

The men have shown immense potential and promise, working with a young squad and a new coaching staff. Last weekend’s Tulsa game provided a tremendous opportunity to earn national recognition, but the young team failed to play at the top of their game.

“We just didn’t play well,” sophomore Alex Sweetin said. The loss to Tulsa, ranked No. 3 in the nation, dropped the Bills to 1-2-1 on the season.

This weekend, the Billikens have a crucial match-up with the Drake Bulldogs.

This match will likely be tough on the Billikens, with Drake coming into the game 4-0-0.

As for the Lady Billikens, the girls dominated Loyola (Md.) last weekend, amassing more shots on goal, controlling possession, stringing great passing sequences together and taking 10 corner kicks.

The Bills had an impressive 19 shots in the game, but were never able to catch the back of the net.

The women’s team has a strong core of players, including freshmen Jenny Hummert and Jessie Jarrett, and sophomores Allison Hu, Katie Walsh and Maggie Baumann.

With about 10 matches remaining for both squads, the teams are poised only to improve. Coaches from both teams say with confidence that the Billikens are playing well, though they are not getting the results they are looking for.

Many parallels can be drawn between the two teams. Ultimately, SLU is a soccer school at heart and has the teams to prove it. Their records are just not showing it.