OMAHA, Neb. - Saint Louis midfielder Kyle Patterson scored two goals and assisted on another as the Billikens collected their first win of the year, 3-0, over UC Riverside Friday at Creighton's Diadora Challenge.
"We are pleased with this result that came against a feisty and scrappy team in UC Riverside," Billiken head coach Dan Donigan said. "There are still some little things that we need to clean up as we enter the heart of our non-conference schedule. While not significant, we have to take care of this as I expect a tough match against Portland on Sunday."
Patterson's five points (2G, 1A) is a record at the Diadora Challenge, which is being played for the 12th time at Creighton. In addition, his two goals tie the Diadora Challenge record.
It is the first multiple goal game for Patterson since last November, when he notched a natural hat trick at Saint Joseph's. For the season, Patterson leads the Billikens with seven points (3G, 1A).
Patterson got the Billikens (1-0-2) on the board at the 23:00 mark off a Brandon Barklage corner kick. Patterson headed the ball that appeared to be stopped by UCR keeper Ryan Schmitz, but he was over the goal line resulting in a 1-0 advantage for SLU.
Early in the second half, Patterson put the Billikens ahead 2-0 when he found the end of a Kyle Hayes cross. He headed home the serve at the 47:45 mark with just enough momentum to sneak past Schmitz.
James Jaramillo netted his first goal as a Billiken in the 73rd minute to put the game out of reach for the Highlanders (0-3-0). He was left unmarked on the weak side, settled the ball, and buried it into the upper netting for a 3-0 Billiken lead. Scott Wisniewski and Patterson assisted on Jaramillo's insurance tally.
Meanwhile, the Billiken defense stood their ground as a pair of goalkeepers turned aside four shots for the shutout. SLU keeper Pat Disbennett started the match and made three saves in 79:10, while Ross Kaufman stopped the one shot he saw in his 10:50 of playing time.
Overall, SLU out-shot the Highlanders 14-11 and held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The Billikens continue play in the Diadora Challenge on Sunday when they face Portland in an 11 a.m. tilt. Portland faces host Creighton in the tournament later tonight.
