(Courtesy Saint Louis Athletics)
Saint Louis seniors Kingsley Bryce and Robert Kristo scored to propel the Billikens past UMKC 2-0 Tuesday night in nonconference men’s soccer action at Hermann Stadium. It was the 50th win of SLU head coach Mike McGinty‘s career.
The Billikens, ranked No. 15 in the Soccer America poll, improve to 5-1 on the season. It was the third win in a row for Saint Louis. Additionally, the Billikens extend their Hermann Stadium unbeaten streak to 13.
“This win felt good, especially getting the shutout,” McGinty said. “Offensively, we did a good job. I would have liked one or two more on the board, but credit goes to their keeper for making a few point blank saves. Tomorrow we’ll start looking at Creighton. We are expecting a great match at their place on Saturday night.”
SLU Starters – GK: Sascha Otte. D: Julian Gieseke, Max Karcher, Anthony Manning. MF: Tyler David, Marco Heskamp, David Graydon, Raymond Lee, Patrick Sarr. F: Kingsley Bryce,William Hidalgo.
SLU Subs – Francisco Vizcaino (Gieseke), first half; Robert Kristo (Hidalgo), first half; Filip Pavisic (Sarr), second half; Josh Kohring (Graydon), second half; Hidalgo (Kristo), second half.
SLU Goals – Bryce (Graydon), 26:19; Kristo (Lee, Pavisic), 75:44
Kingsley Bryce got the Billikens on the board at the 26:19 mark. He collected a slip pass fromDavid Graydon and, from the right side, fired a rocket that snuck inside the far post. It was the first goal of the season for Bryce and the A-10-leading fourth assist for Graydon.
Kristo, who missed the Billikens’ last game with an injury, subbed in late in the first half and scored a goal in the 76th minute. Raymond Lee and Filip Pavisic started the play with a buildup up the left flank. Lee sent a ball across the face, and Kristo flicked it in for his first goal since the season opener.
SLU keeper Sascha Otte made four saves for his third clean sheet of the season. The Billikens had a 15-11 advantage in shots and a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Next up, SLU travels to Omaha to face Creighton Saturday at 6 p.m. (CT). The Bluejays (5-0-1), who defeated Illinois-Chicago tonight, are ranked No. 3 in the latest NSCAA poll.
