After dispatching another ranked opponent, team countines to search for stability
The Saint Louis University Billikens (2-4-0) will be playing the Missouri State Bears (1-4-1) at Robert R. Hermann Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the annual homecoming weekend.
This past weekend, the Billikens took on No. 17 South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast in the University of South Florida Tournament. The Billikens won against No. 17 South Florida 2-1 on Friday Sept. 16th. Saint Louis freshman Kingsley Bryce netted both of the Billikens goals. Bryce’s first goal was in the 36th minute. Nick Maglasang was credited with the assist.
The Bulls of South Florida came out the halftime break firing and scored in the 47th minute, but Bryce answered quickly, burying his second shot in the back of net in the just nine minutes later. Mike Roach earned the assist. Bryce was named the Atlantic 10 Conference men’s soccer Rookie of the Week on Monday for his pair of goals in the USF match.
“He is very good so far, and the best is still to come,” senior Billikens forward Mike Roach said.
The Billikens had a quick turn around and squared off against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday. Riding high off a their second victory against a ranked opponent this season, they had a difficult time regaining their form in their second match of the weekend.
The Bills dropped the contest 1-0. They had plenty of opportunities in the first half but could not find the back of the net. Florida Gulf Coast in the 80th minute capitalized on their chance and got a shot past the Billikens keeper Nick Shackelford.
“Florida Gulf Coast is a tricky team. At the bare minimum, we needed to find a way to at least get a draw,” Head Coach Mike McGinty said. “It is a tough one to swallow.”
The inconsistent play of the Billikens is evident. The Billikens came through in the clutch against ranked foes like Notre Dame and South Florida, but at the same time have lost to teams like Northern Illinois and Florida Gulf Coast. Still, the Billikens have had one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country.
The atmosphere for Saturday’s game will be electric. The Billikens have averaged 3,507 attendees at their two home games at Hermann Stadium. This Saturday’s game will also feature the traditional homecoming fireworks festivities. Despite this great fan support, the men in blue have yet to secure a victory at home. They are 0-2 at home on this fall. The Billikens are aching to treat their supporters with a win this weekend.
“We look forward to getting back in front of our fans at Hermann Stadium for Homecoming next Saturday,” McGinty said.
Bryce and Raymond Lee, a pair of freshman midfielders, lead the Billikens with two goals apiece. Lee has added an assist for a team-high five points. Senior midfielder Alex Johnston and sophomore forward Adnan Gabeljic have also tallied for the Billikens.
Missouri State is coming in after winning its first game of the season 1-0 against the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati. This game will complete a five-game road trip for the Missouri State Bears. This game also marks the return of midfielder Ryan Moses who transferred from SLU after his sophomore season. Moses has only played a total of 42 minutes in the six games that Missouri State has played this year.
“It will be good to see an old friend, but when we get on the field it is all business,” Roach said.
The Billikens lead the all-time series 8-0-4 against the Missouri State Bears. The squads have met in each of the last three years. Last season, SLU and MSU played to a scoreless draw at Hermann Stadium.
Missouri State has only scored 3 total goals this year in 77 shot attempts. The team scored its first second half goal in its game against Cincinnati. The Missouri State goalkeeper, Trevor Spangenberg, has allowed 8 goals in 6 games. Spangenberg has allowed six second half goals.
Two of Missouri State’s goals have been scored by Missouri State freshman defender James Fawke. Fawke scored the game-winning goal against Cincinnati in the 80th minute. Midfielder/forward Jared Gain has also tallied for Missouri State, which has been outscored 8-3 on the season.
The Billikens have one more non-conference game after this match before Atlantic 10 conference play begins against Rhode Island on October 7th.
