Aug. 27, 2010

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis wrapped up its men's soccer exhibition season Friday night with a 0-0 draw against SIU Edwardsville at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

The Billikens, who open the regular season next Wednesday, Sept. 1, at New Mexico, finished the exhibition season with a 0-0-3 record.

"We have got a lot accomplished in three games," first-year head coach Mike McGinty said. "Each game was a bit different and each had a different feel to it. Tonight, we had a lot of positives. We created a little bit more and saw some different combinations that look like are working. We will now refocus and get ready for New Mexico."

Against the Cougars, the Billikens were unable to find the back of the net despite having some strong scoring opportunities. In the first half, freshman defender Jon Roeckle unleashed a drive that SIUE keeper Scott Meyer got a glove on, then it ricocheted off the cross bar. In the second frame, Nick Maglasang deeked a SIUE defender and raced up the right side. He found freshman midfielder Sito Sasieta with a cross, but Sasieta's shot went high of the goal.

SIUE, which outshot the Billikens 10-5, managed five shots on goal, forcing keepers Nick Shackelford and Mark Pais to make two saves apiece. Several of the chances were from distance resulting in easy stops. The Cougars' best chance came late in the game when Chris Anzalone volleyed a ball to the near post, but junior defender Chad Vandegriffe was there to clear it off the line.