SLU Soccer Impressive in 3 Exhibitions
By Paul Lamb
Impressive. But be cautious.
That’s the best way to look at the Saint Louis Billikens’ preseason. With a final record of 1-1-1, the SLU soccer team is in a manageable position entering their regular season. Coach McGinty says, “We learned a lot about ourselves” through 3 exhibitions. Offensively and defensively, many questions were answered. However, question marks remain. Be cautious.
Offensively, the offense was potent. Overall for 3 matches, the Billikens outshot opponents 35-13, converting on 5 of those 35 attempts. In a perfect world, the quantity of shots resulting in goals would be a bit higher, closer to 9-10 out of the 35 attempts resulting in goals. But still, overall, 5 out of 35 attempts isn’t anything to fret about. The real caution offensively comes in individual efficiency, and getting the stars on track.
Last season, Robert Kristo converted 18% of his shots into goals. Kingsley Bryce converted an even more impressive 27% of his shots last season. This exhibition season left something to be desired from both of them. A combined 1 of 15, the Billikens’ leading goal scorers from a year ago looked out of tune and inconsistent. Kristo himself shot a disappointing 9%, with Bryce shooting an unacceptable 0%. This is the caution. Last season, the Bills relied heavily on their offense, which ranked 6th in the nation. They hoped to lean even heavier on this potent attack this season, especially with a new, inexperienced goalie. Hopefully, it’s only preseason rust holding back the two attack leaders. But, still, be cautious.
Defensively, things looked good, almost great at times. Most impressive was the shutout of preseason #1 Notre Dame. Although the game was shortened by lightning midway through the 2nd half, the Billikens’ tenacious defense only allowed 3 shots for the whole game. Against Division III Jefferson College, much of the same story. Only 2 shots allowed the entire game, the defense was swarming, quick, and decisive. When Anthony Manning (Hermann Watch List) played, the defense was cohesively confident. The only vulnerability the defense showed was the second half against UIC, which saw sophomore 3rd string goalie Bryan Seefeld and the reserve defense allow 3 goals in 25 minutes. But, be cautious. There’s still one defensive question mark-goalkeeper.
Hard to decide between two goalies when neither gave up a goal through 3 exhibition. Starting 2 matches, but sitting out the entire UIC match, David Andre was impressive. He showed poise and discipline in the net. Sascha Otte started against UIC, and played in the second half against both Notre Dame and Jefferson College. Listed as a freshman, Otte could pass for a 5th year senior, he’s that big. He carries himself with confidence which translates nicely onto the pitch. Coach McGinty still has yet to name his opening day starter, but expect it to be David Andre. Not a knock against Otte, who may have the edge talent-wise, but Andre does have the experience. Although only a year older, he does have 4 starts under his belt, and a year learning from the 3rd winningest goalie in SLU history, Nick Shackelford. Andre will be on a short leash, and Otte may get a chance early in the year if Coach McGinty isn’t pleased with what he sees. Look at it as a “goalkeeper by committee” until one definitively pulls away with the job.
Coach McGinty puts it perfectly when he says, “There isn’t one thing that needs to be ‘fixed’”. The goals from Kristo and Bryce are going to come, and they’re going to come fast. In my opinion, at goalkeeper, there isn’t a bad decision. Both are deserving of the start, and the Billikens’ defense will be strong with either in net. The pieces are there for victory, as long as the Bills take the wise words of their coach to heart-“We just need to stay hungry and humble each day.”