Nov. 26, 2007
At Season's End: Saint Louis ended its 2007 men's soccer campaign with a 12-2-5 overall record and an 8-1-0 mark in Atlantic 10 Conference play. The season was punctuated by the Billikens claiming their third-straight A-10 regular-season crown and earning the program's unprecedented 44th bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Recapping Last Week: Saint Louis and Illinois-Chicago played to a scoreless draw in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. In the decisive penalty-kick shootout, UIC raced out to a 3-1 advantage in the five-round PK session, only to have the Billikens rally to knot the tally after five rounds. UIC eventually earned the 6-5 decision after three more sudden-death rounds.
Looking Ahead: The Billikens are primed for a strong 2008 season as they return at least nine of their 11 starters. In addition, Saint Louis returns 98 percent of its goal scoring and 95 percent of its points. SLU's top six scorers, including A-10 Offensive Player of the Year Kyle Patterson, will return next season. In addition, A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Calum Angus is one of several key members of the Billikens' stout defense that will return in 2008.
Dan's Day: Dan Donigan, who has claimed A-10 Coach of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons, is 91-30-18 (.719) in seven years at the helm. Donigan has led the Billikens to the NCAA Tournament in five of his seven seasons and has a 5-4-1 record in tournament play, twice leading his teams to the quarterfinals of the tourney. In the last two seasons combined, Donigan's Billikens have posted a 25-7-7 (.731) overall mark and a 16-1-1 (.917) ledger in A-10 regular-season games.
NCAA History: The Billikens have qualified for the NCAA Tournament a record 44 times in the 49-year history of the event and have won a record 10 national championships. Saint Louis has a 65-32-5 (.662) record in NCAA Tournament action.
That's Offensive: The Billikens found the back of the net 41 times this season, the most since the 2003 squad scored 42 times ... in conference play, the Billikens out-scored their opponents 28-5 ... Kyle Patterson led the team in scoring with 24 points (10G, 4A), while Scott Wisniewski was second with 18 points (7G, 4A) ... 13 different Billikens registered at least one point on the year.
Getting Defensive: Saint Louis shut out its opponents nine times this season, including its last two matches ... the Billikens ended the season on a 253:06 scoreless streak ... Billiken keepers posted a 0.66 GAA and made 71 saves for a .845 save percentage ...SLU allowed just five goals in its final 11 games, and did not allow multiple goals in a contest since Buffalo tallied three times on Oct. 6.
Quick Strikes: Kyle Patterson natural hat trick on Nov. 2 against Saint Joseph's came in 2 minutes, 31 seconds, which is the second-fastest in NCAA history. John Stone of SIU Edwardsville scored three straight in 2:15 in 1985. IPFW's Chas Perry is the next closest, netting the hat trick in 5:23.
National Recognition: Seven different Billikens appeared on National Teams of the Week this season. Kyle Patterson was named to two Teams of the Week (TopDrawerSoccer.com and CollegeSoccerNews.com) on Nov. 6 after earning CSN National Team of the Week honors earlier this year. Calum Angus landed on TopDrawerSoccer.com's College Team of the Week. Rob Viviano was selected to TopDrawerSoccer.com's National Team of the Week (Oct. 15) after helping the Bills to shutouts in their first two league games. Dado Hamzagic appeared on CollegeSoccerNews.com's Team of the Week for the period ending Sept. 30 for his dominating play against Central Florida. Josh Aranda, who was named co-MVP of the Saint Louis/Nike Soccer Classic, earned a spot on TopDrawerSoccer.com's National Team of the Week (Sept. 16) after his strong play in the midfield in the tourney.
Polling Place: In final regular-season rankings, SLU was ranked eighth by Soccer America and CollegeSoccerNews.com, 11th by Soccer Times and 12th in the NSCAA coaches poll. The Billikens held the top spot all year in the NSCAA's Mid-Atlantic Region.
Robert R. Hermann Stadium: The Billikens are tough to beat on Robert R. Hermann Stadium's state-of-the-art natural grass surface. SLU is 71-15-11 (.789) in eight seasons at Hermann Stadium, including a 6-1-2 mark this season. In those eight seasons, the Billikens are 6-2-2 on their home pitch in NCAA Tournament action.
Great Fans: The Billikens averaged 2,116 fans for 10 home dates at Hermann Stadium this season. Saint Louis drew 5,758 fans for Homecoming against Central Florida, the second-largest crowd in Robert R. Hermann Stadium history. The Billikens led the nation in average attendance in 2003, 2001 and 1999. Since 1999, the Billikens have not ranked lower than seventh in attendance.
On the Sidelines: The Billikens boasted a full complement of assistant coaches in 2007. Matt Tutton completed his first year as an assistant, while Dave Beck wrapped up his second season with the Billikens. Martin Hutton completed his first season as a graduate assistant coach in charge of goalkeepers. In addition, U.S. National Team assistant coach Mike Sorber served as a volunteer assistant coach.
Standing Pat: Senior keeper Pat Disbennett (St. Louis, Mo. / Webster Groves) worked his way back into the lineup after undergoing facial surgery to repair injuries suffered in the second game of the season ...finished 2-0-3 with a 0.61 GAA in seven games ... did not allow a goal in the Bills' final two games, both of which went into double overtime.
The Bee Gees: Senior midfielder/defender Brandon Gasparovic (St. Louis, Mo. / CBC) played in 17 matches, starting 12 ...was a valuable commodity late in the season as he was solid on both the back line and in the midfield.
Grazin': Senior midfielder Brian Grazier (Edwardsville, Ill. / Edison Academic Center, Bradenton, Fla.) turned in a career-high six points (1G, 4A) on the season ... scored his first career-goal against then-No. 2 Indiana ... notched a career-high two assists against Saint Joseph's.
Weekly Reeder: Senior forward Andrew Reeder (Burlington, N.J. / Pennington School) displayed his versatility in 13 games this year ... started the NC State matchup up top, and also filled in in the back when called upon.
Certified Angus: Junior defender Calum Angus (Portsmouth, England) was named A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Conference selection ... did not play in the NCAA Tournament match against UIC due to injury ...scored two goals on the year, including the game winner against Central Florida.
Brand New: Junior midfielder Brandon Barklage (St. Louis, Mo. / New Mexico) led the team with five assists ... totaled 11 points on the year (3G, 5A) ... counting his two seasons at New Mexico, the CBC graduate has 30 career points (8G, 14A).
It's Magic: Junior forward Dado Hamzagic (St. Louis, Mo. / Mehlville) earned first-team All-Conference accolades after finishing third on the squad in scoring with 14 points (5G, 4A) ... notched the Billikens' game winners against Bradley and Charlotte.
From Across the Pond: Junior midfielder Kyle Patterson (Birmingham, England) was the A-10 Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Conference selection and the A-10 Offensive Player of the Year ... led the team and was second in the A-10 with 24 points (10G, 4A) ... now has 44 career points (17G, 10A) to lead all active Billikens.
That's Sweet: Junior midfielder Eric Sweetin (Overland Park, Kan. / Kansas City Rockhurst) is a Hermann Trophy candidate and a first-team All-Conference selection ... played 14 games in the midfield for the Billikens.
Just Joshin': Sophomore midfielder/back Josh Aranda (St. Louis, Mo. / DeSmet) was a staple at right back the last seven games of the season ... was named MVP of the Saint Louis/Nike Soccer Classic earlier this season for his play in the midfield.
High Roller: Sophomore midfielder/back James Dice (Springfield, Ill. / Glenwood) played in three matches for the Bills.
St. Patrick's Day: Sophomore midfielder/back Patrick Hadican (St. Louis, Mo. / Chaminade) returned from an injury to play in three games near the end of the season.
Purple Hayes: Sophomore forward/midfielder Kyle Hayes (St. Louis, Mo. / CBC) battled through injuries this year but still appeared in 15 matches, starting nine ... scored the Bills' first goal against Buffalo ... tallied his lone assist of the year against Central Florida.
Sherlock Holmes: Sophomore forward Jimmy Holmes (St. Louis, Mo. / Priory) scored a goal in six straight games to end the regular season ... buried the game winner in the victory against Temple.
Red Ross: Sophomore goalkeeper Ross Kaufman (Louisville, Ky. / Dupont Manual) played 15 games in goal and posted a 0.66 GAA and a 10-2-2 record ... earned six shutout victories ... registered a .847 save percentage.
Reamed Out: Sophomore defender Tim Ream (St. Louis, Mo. / St. Dominic) was a second-team All-Conference selection ... finished tied for second on the squad with four assists ... earned a spot on the A-10 All-Championship team for his play in the back in the shutout against Charlotte.
That There is an RV: Sophomore defender Rob Viviano (Orange, Calif. / Orange Lutheran) picked up honorable mention All-Conference plaudits ... appeared in 16 games (14 starts) and tallied two assists.
Whiz Kid: Sophomore midfielder Scott Wisniewski (Dallas, Texas / Edward S. Marcus) finished second on the team with 18 points (7G, 4A) in just 15 games ... led the league with 16 points (6G, 4A) in conference games only ...second-team All-Conference selection.
B.B. King: Freshman midfielder Beau Bellomy (Dallas, Texas / Jesuit) had nine points (4G, 1A) on the season ... three of his goals came in league play ... named to the A-10 Rookie Team.
The Mick: Freshman midfielder Josh Boemecke (O'Fallon, Ill. / O'Fallon Township) saw playing time in eight matches.
C.B. Radio: Freshman midfielder Charles Bryce (Plano, Texas / Jesuit) appeared in five matches ... scored his first career goal against Saint Joseph's.
Case Study: Freshman defender Casey Herd (Arlington, Texas / Martin) appeared in 14 matches during an injury-riddled season ... named a CollegeSoccerNews.com top 100 freshman to watch at the beginning of the season.
Key to Success: Freshman forward David Kekec (St. Louis, Mo. / Ladue) appeared in five matches for the Billikens.
