Oct. 26, 2007

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. - No. 15 Saint Louis got a first-half goal from junior Brandon Barklage and Jimmy Holmes scored a late insurance marker as the Billikens upended the host Richmond Spiders 2-0 Friday night in Atlantic 10 Conference men's soccer action at a damp First Market Stadium. SLU keeper Ross Kaufman made seven saves for his sixth shutout of the season.

With the win, the Bills improve to 8-2-3 and 4-1-0 in the A-10. Richmond slides to 4-9-1 and 1-3-0 in the A-10.

"This was a good result in what was a tough environment on the road in rainy conditions," Billiken head coach Dan Donigan said. "I'm pleased with the way we responded on the artificial turf, as it is a surface that we are not necessarily used to. It is unfortunate for Richmond, which has played a tough schedule and has suffered some close losses."

Playing through a steady rain that produced a slick surface on the artificial field, the two squads were feeling their way through the fast conditions before Barklage put the Billikens up in the 28th minute. Sophomore midfielder Josh Aranda distributed the ball to Barklage just outside the penalty area. Barklage unleashed a shot that snuck through traffic and into the lower corner of the frame for a 1-0 Bills lead at 27:02. It was Barklage's second goal of the season and the first since his game winner on Sept. 13 against Loyola Marymount. Aranda was credited with the assist, his first-career point.

At intermission, the Billikens led 8-3 in the shots category, while Richmond held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks.

In the second half, the SLU back line defended 13 Richmond shots, holding the Spiders scoreless despite five shots on goal. Kaufman was steady in goal, making all five of his saves in the second stanza.

It wasn't until late in regulation that the Billikens had the luxury of playing with a comfortable two goal lead. At the 88:17 mark, Holmes and junior forward Dado Hamzagic raced out to a fast break and passed back-and-forth until creating a look. For the second time in as many games, Holmes took advantage of the chance and scored to deliver the 2-0 victory for the Billikens.

Overall, Richmond out-shot the Bills 16-13 and held a 3-2 advantage on corner kicks. Hamzagic had a game-high five shots for the Bills, who remain unbeaten in their last 10 regular-season conference games away from Robert R. Hermann Stadium.

The Bills stay on the road to face A-10 foe George Washington on Sunday. Kickoff at the Mt. Vernon Athletics Complex is slated for 11 a.m.