The Saint Louis University women’s soccer team bruised their way to a 3-1 victory over the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
The victory improved the Bills to 2-4 for the season while UMKC fell to 1-3-2 for the year.
Freshman Abbey Stock led the Billikens to victory. The forward had a hand in all three of the goals.
Head Coach Tim Champion feels like his young team is about to turn the corner on this young season.
“With a team that is so freshman and sophomore oriented, it all boils down to just getting them out there in a game situation on the field,” Champion said. “It’s nice to get them out there so they can continue to develop and get better.”
Champion constantly rotated players to maintain a fresh lineup against the physical UMKC team. In total, 19 Billikens logged minutes in the contest. Stock shined above them all.
The Billikens jumped out in front of the Kangaroos early in the match when freshman back Sabrina Hostler netted the first goal of her collegiate career at the 7:25 mark.
Stock and sophomore Jenny Hummert assisted on the goal, which was buried from point-blank range.
Stock took her turn at the goal-scoring fun when she launched a shot from the top of the box at 24:53. The 20-yard score flew in just over the outstretched arms of UMKC goalkeeper Jami Finnell.
The Billikens headed into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Stock nailed one more goal ten minutes into the second half, thanks to some fancy footwork and a spot-on assist from Hostler.
This was Stock’s third goal of the year, which put her into the lead of the team in that statistical category.
Junior Billiken goalkeeper Katie Walsh racked up five saves in the game, but had her bid at a clean sheet spoiled with less than nine minutes remaining in the match. Zaina Mayer put the Kangaroos on the scoreboard for the first and only time of the game.
After four straight road losses against stiff competition, Coach Champion was happy to be back defending his home turf.
“It’s just nice to be back,” he said. “The four road games were a little rough. There’s a certain comfort level when you’re playing at home. I’m glad we could come out and put on a show for the home crowd.”
A handful of those crowd members were of note. In recognition of anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, SLU hosted a Local Heroes day at Herman Stadium. SLU’s Athletic Department honored local military personnel, police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. Several honorees were celebrated with a halftime ceremony.
The Billikens will continue their three-game home stand Friday, Sept. 16, when they will take on the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State at 7 p.m.
