Sept. 3, 2006

Box Score

TEMPE, Ariz. - A pair of quick first-half goals was all either team could manage as No. 27 Saint Louis played to a 1-1 tie at Arizona State in the final game of the Heather Farr KICKS Against Breast Cancer Invitational at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium. The Sun Devils took the lead in the 25th minute only to see SLU freshman Lauren Bozesky answer 45 seconds later.

The Billikens put pressure on the Sun Devils early with Courtney Hulcer and Julia Bradenberg sending the most dangerous shots toward the goal. Despite the aggressive play from SLU, Arizona State struck first off a deadball. Michelle Deatherage sent the free kick into the box from 50 yards out and found Lara Kezer for the header and 1-0 lead.

SLU did not stay down long, sending the ball deep into its offensive third off the restart. ASU looked to clear, but freshman Susan Frederickson settled the failed attempt and sent a pass over the defense to Bozesky. The young striker chested the ball down just steps from ASU keeper Kim Bingham and proceeded to chip it over her head for the equalizer.

Each team had two more quality chances last in the half, but neither could break the tie. Hulcer opened the second half with a pair of corners, but the Billikens couldn't connect. ASU's most dangerous chances in the second half came off deadballs and corners, all of which the Billikens and keeper Hannah Koesterr turned away.

Bradenberg looked to put the Bills up in the 81st minute, taking a throw-in and going right to the goal but her shot from the left side bent just beyond the far post. Tara Gresco sent a dangerous shot over the crossbar in the 83rd minute, and Hulcer's deadball from 25 yards out in the 87th minute also sailed high.

After an uneventful first OT, the Billikens took the opening shot of the second OT. Hulcer served a corner that found Mary Green on the far post, but Bingham stopped her header. ASU took a pair of direct shots in the 102nd minute, yielding the most decisive saves from Koesterer. SLU took one more chance in the final 40 seconds as Bradenberg sent a free kick into the box for Bozesky, whose header went over the crossbar as time expired.

The tie game was even in the box score, despite the Billikens holding possession for a majority of the outing. SLU out-shot ASU 17-16, but took eight corners to ASU's four. Koesterer collected eight saves, while Bingham picked up four.

The Billikens (2-1-1) return to action on Wed., Sept. 6, opening a four-game homestand against former Conference USA rival Marquette. Kickoff for the nationally-televised game at Robert R. Hermann Stadium is set for 7 p.m.