ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis and top-ranked Notre Dame were battling in a scoreless tie Saturday night at Hermann Stadium when lightning forced officials to call the game with 27:37 remaining in the second half.
Saint Louis outshot the Fighting Irish 10-3 and managed a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Notre Dame is the defending NCAA champion and is ranked No. 1 in every preseason college soccer poll released so far.
“We created several good looks that normally I think we finish, so if we finished those obviously I would be a lot happier,” SLU head coach Mike McGinty said. “Overall, I was happy with how we came out. Both teams looked like they were ready for the soccer season. It wasn't sloppy or hectic.”
Senior forward Robert Kristo, a Hermann Trophy candidate, had a good look late in the first half off a pass from junior forward David Graydon, but the shot was saved by the Notre Dame keeper. Senior forward Kingsley Bryce also had a scoring chance in the second half.
Sophomore goalkeeper David Andre earned the start and was tested when Notre Dame's Jeffrey Farina came in all alone, but Andre was there for a kick save. Freshman keeper Sascha Otte started the second half and also made a nice save before the game was called.
The Billikens continue the exhibition season Wednesday when they travel to face Illinois-Chicago. SLU returns to Hermann Stadium next Saturday for the annual SLU student “Fall Welcome” game. Jeffco is the opponent at 7 p.m.
