ST. LOUIS – Top-seeded Saint Louis scored twice in the first half to rally for a 2-1 victory over No. 6-seed Duquesne Sunday at Hermann Stadium in the Atlantic 10 Conference Men's Soccer Championship final.
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The Billikens now head into the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship with a 14-0-4 record. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for tomorrow at noon on NCAA.com.
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It is the third A-10 tournament crown for the Billikens and their first since 2012. SLU will return to the NCAA Tournament for the 49th time in program history and the first time since 2014.
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SLU's unbeaten streak now stands at 18 games, the longest in program history in a single season, topping the 1971 squad's 17-game unbeaten streak. Also, with Vermont beating New Hampshire today, the Billikens are the lone undefeated team remaining in the NCAA.
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Simon Becher and
Christian Buendia scored Sunday for the Billikens, who had to come from behind after yielding the opening goal.
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In the 25th minute, Becher pounced on a rebound and put one past the Dukes' keeper for his team-leading 12th tally of the season. Parker, who had the initial shot, earned his sixth assist.
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Buendia scored the game winner in the 27th minute, his first goal of the year. Duquesne tried to clear a ball that was sent into the box, but it went right to Buendia who one-timed it just inside the right post to make it a 2-1 game.
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Duquesne ended up playing two men down after two players were sent off in the 83rd minute following a skirmish. SLU outshot the Dukes 22-8 and had a 12-0 advantage in corner kicks.
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Patrick Schulte recorded three saves and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the A-10 Championship. Joining Schulte on the All-Championship Team from SLU were Becher,
John Klein,
Mujeeb Murana,
Chase Niece and
Chandler Vaughn.
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