PITTSBURGH – Saint Louis freshman Theo Franca scored in the sixth minute to lift the seventh-ranked Billikens to a 1-0 win over Duquesne Saturday night in SLU's Atlantic 10 Conference opener at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh.

Saint Louis, ranked No. 7 in this week's United Soccer Coaches poll, improves to 4-1-3 overall and 1-0 in league play. Duquesne suffered its first loss of the year and dips to 5-1-2 and 1-1 in A-10 play.

Franca's goal came at the 5:46 mark in the first half. Andrew Heckenlaible took possession after a Duquesne takeaway. He broke away from the defense and fired a shot that was saved by the Dukes keeper. But Franca was there and buried the rebound for the only goal the Bills would need.

It was Franca's second goal of the season, while Heckenlaible earned his second assist of the season.

Saint Louis posted season highs in shots (17, tie) and corner kicks (10).

Jeremi Abonnel made three saves for his fifth shutout of the season. 

Saint Louis is back in action on Tuesday when they take on the Akron Zips. Game time is set for 6 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on ESPNU.