Head Coach Tim Champion was very clear in his objective for the 2011 season: score more goals. It took the Billikens less than two minutes to respond.
One minute and 16 seconds into the season opener, senior forward Jasmina Suljic took a pass from Alli Reimer, got past her defender on the left side, and put the ball in the back of the net to give SLU a 1-0 lead over Evansville. Ninety minutes later, SLU completed a convincing season-opening victory in a 4-0 clinic. At least for the first game, it was mission accomplished.
“We played well and we put the ball in the net,” Champion said. “Overall, it was a good win for us.”
Champion said he knows he has a young team this year. Twelve incoming freshman highlight the roster, playing every position from attacking forward to backup goalkeeper. And it provides a unique opportunity for Champion and his upperclass leaders.
“It’s going to be a very young team, but overall we’ve picked up a lot of speed, we’ve got a lot of athletic players, and we’ve got players who can score goals,” Champion said. “We will be a lot quicker this year than in the past.”
The offense will depend largely on Suljic and midfielder Colleen Kustura, one of three seniors on the team and a recognized leader in the clubhouse. Reimer will also play a key leadership role, and the team expects offensive contributions from freshmen like Abby Scott, Mallorie Owens, and Julia Merlo.
Defensively, senior Emily Viviano and junior Maggie Baumann will hold down the fort just as they did last season. SLU gave up just 15 goals in 19 matches last year, thanks to Viviano and Baumann who started every game. Katie Walsh remains in net for the Billikens, a key aspect of the Billiken defense that posted nine shutouts last season.
This year, that defense will be just as key. In keeping the ball out of the net, it will allow the offense a chance to fulfill the objective of the season.
“We play some tough teams in non-conference play,” Champion said. This weekend, SLU visits Maryland – a nationally ranked team – and Loyola-Maryland who tied the Billikens last year.
Fans can expect a team with the same strong defense, and a new dedication to putting the ball in the net. Soccer’s most exciting features are back on the field for the Bills.
