ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis sophomore CJ Coppola scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute to lift the Billikens to an important 1-0 victory over Oral Roberts Tuesday night in nonconference men's soccer action at Hermann Stadium.
The Billikens improve to 2-3-1 on the year, while Oral Roberts dips to 4-2-1.
SLU redshirt freshman goalkeeper Mason Hart made eight saves for the Billikens' second straight shutout. Five of the saves came in the second half.
Coppola's goal was his team-leading third of the season. Galen Flynn started the play with a long throw into the box that was flicked ahead by Max Floriani. Coppola and the Oral Roberts keeper met the ball simultaneously, but the keeper was unable to corral it. Coppola tapped it in from the ground and the ball trickled over the line for the game's only score.
Oral Roberts, who entered the game seventh in the NCAA in shots, pressured SLU throughout and outshot the Bills 14-6, but Hart and the Billiken defense was up to the task.
Saint Louis continues Atlantic 10 Conference play on Saturday, hosting the Fordham Rams at Hermann Stadium for Homecoming. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Prior to the match, the 1973 NCAA Championship team will be honored. Also, the traditional Homecoming fireworks display will take place at halftime.
