Saint Louis and SIUE played to a 1-1 draw at Hermann Stadium Tuesday in the 30th Bronze Boot match. As the current holder of the Bronze Boot, the Billikens retained possession of the trophy.
SLU, ranked No. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, is now 3-0-3 on the season. SIUE moves to 1-3-2.
The Bronze Boot series now stands at 12-5-3 in favor of the Billikens. Since the series resumed in 2018 after a 20-year hiatus, all three Bronze Boot matchups have gone into overtime.
The teams withstood a one-hour lightning delay at the outset, but it didn’t take long for the Billikens to light up the scoreboard. Seth Anderson scored the Billikens’ goal in the 10th minute when he scored on a valiant individual effort. Simon Becher flicked one to a running Anderson, who proceeded to split two defenders and finish into the open net.
The Billikens controlled the first half, outshooting the Cougars 6-1 in the opening frame.
SLU continued to apply pressure in the second half, but it was SIUE who found the back of the net in the second session. In the 81st minute, Pau Palacin pounced on a loose ball at the top corner of the box and sent one just inside the far post for the equalizing goal.
The teams traded chances in the two overtime sessions but neither team was able to capitalize. SIUE keeper Lluis Martorell and SLU keeper Patrick Schulte finished with two saves apiece.
SLU had the edge in shots (16-7) and corner kicks (7-1).
The Billikens return to action Saturday, Sept. 18, when they open Atlantic 10 Conference play at UMass. Game time is noon (CT).
