Memphis - Saint Louis topped Memphis 2-1 in a Conference USA men's soccer match on a rainy, cold night at the Tigers' Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The Billikens posted only their second victory in seven matches away from the friendly confines of Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
Saint Louis struck immediately on senior midfielder Jack Jewsbury's goal in the first minute. On the Billikens' first possession, junior back Kevin Wickart found freshman midfielder Cooper McKee near the Tigers' end line. McKee laid it back to Jewsbury, who drove a 15-yard shot to the lower left corner past Memphis keeper Chris Post.
"Jackie's early goal let us relax, and we played better because of that early lead," head coach Dan Donigan said. "Conference road games are difficult, and to get out of here with a positive result in a tough environment is a real plus late in the season."
Memphis had a couple chances to tie the match, but rang two shots off the cross bar. The shots were even at six in the first session, but the Bills carried the one-goal margin to the break.
C-USA scoring leader Jason Cole gave the Bills a two-goal margin in the 83rd minute. From the right of the Memphis penalty area, senior midfielder Nick Walls chipped a ball to Cole at the back post. Cole volleyed his career-high 14th goal to the back of the net.
Memphis answered quickly in the 86th minute on a Matt Bryant strike to make the last few minutes interesting. Midfielder Ronnie Nillson sent a cross over Billiken keeper Martin Hutton to Bryant, who connected on a header.
Saint Louis out-shot Memphis (8-7-1, 2-7-0) 19-14 as Post made seven saves. The Bills' Hutton made only one stop. Saint Louis (11-3-2 overall, 6-2-1) plays its final regular-season home match against East Carolina on Sat., Nov. 9, at Robert R. Hermann Stadium.
SAINT LOUIS 2, MEMPHIS 1
SLU 0:27 Jack Jewsbury's 15-yds from Kevin Wickart, Cooper McKee
SLU 82:22 Jason Cole volley from Nick Walls
UM 85:20 Matt Bryant header from Ronnie Nillson
Shots: SLU - 19, MEM - 14 Corners: SLU - 4, MEM - 4 Saves: SLU - 1 (Hutton), MEM - 7 (Post) Fouls: SLU - 23, MEM - 19
