ST. LOUIS - Xavier's Luke Spencer scored 2:23 into the second overtime session to lift the Musketeers past the Saint Louis Billikens 1-0 in Atlantic 10 Conference men's soccer action Sunday at Hermann Stadium.
The loss dips the Billikens to 6-9-1 overall and 4-4 in the A-10, while Xavier improves to 10-4-2 overall and 4-3-1 in the league.
SLU, which has one regular-season game remaining next Saturday at home against No. 16 Charlotte, currently sits in a four-way tie for sixth in the league standings. The top six teams at season's end advances to the A-10 Championship, which will be played at Hermann Stadium Nov. 10-13. The Billikens need a win against Charlotte - as well as receive help in some scenarios - to qualify for the A-10 Championship field.
Spencer broke the 0-0 stalemate when be buried a pass from Matt Walker for the golden goal. Walker had the ball on the left side and fed Spencer, who belted a drive over the out-stretched arms of SLU keeper Nick Shackelford into the upper netting.
It was a tale of two halves in regulation, as the team that had the 20 mile-per-hour wind at their backs controlled the pace of play. SLU had the wind in the first half and managed a 12-3 advantage in shots, including a flurry early in the match that saw SLU ring a shot off the cross bar.
The Billikens had a golden opportunity in the first half when Xavier was whistled for a hand-ball in the box, but the resulting penalty kick by Jon Roeckle was stopped by Xavier keeper Justin Marshall.
As the teams switched sides at halftime, Xavier received the advantage with a 10-5 edge in shots in the second half. The game remained scoreless through regulation, thanks in part to five saves by Billiken keeper Nick Shackelford in the second session. Xavier had its best chance to win the game late in regulation, but the Musketeers rang a shot off the goal post.
The Billikens mustered two chances in the first overtime session and had the edge in possession in OT before Spencer ended it in favor of Xavier.
Overall, the Billikens managed a 19-14 edge in shots and a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Saturday's game against Charlotte kicks at 7 p.m. SLU's five seniors will be honored prior to the game. In addition, Billiken great Brian McBride will be recognized at halftime and will sign commemorative posters prior to the match. A limited amount of Brian McBride bobbleheads will also be given away at the gate.
