ST. LOUIS – No. 4 Saint Louis opened the season in impressive fashion Thursday, defeating Seattle 4-0 in the season opener at Hermann Stadium.
The four goals were the most by a Billiken team in a season opener since 2004, when Saint Louis defeated UMSL 8-0.
Saint Louis took control early, opening the scoring in the eighth minute. Andrew Heckenlaible's shot deflected off the crossbar, and Tanner Anderson was there to finish the rebound and give the Billikens a 1-0 lead.
Saint Louis doubled its advantage just before halftime when Guilherme Gomes scored in the 43rd minute. Alander Soares made the defensive play to gain possession and provided the assist on Gomes' finish.
The Billikens added two more goals early in the second half. Jackson Delkus scored in the 50th minute off an assist from Nick Schramm, before Heckenlaible found the back of the net less than two minutes later to make it 4-0.
Saint Louis finished with a 12-4 advantage in shots and held a 6-1 edge in corner kicks. Freshman keeper Lucas McPartlin recorded the shutout in goal, while the Billikens' defense limited Seattle to just two shots on target.
Anderson, Gomes, Delkus and Heckenlaible accounted for the Billikens' four goals, with Heckenlaible also adding an assist. Soares and Schramm recorded assists in the victory.
The Billikens return to action Monday, Aug. 24, hosting No. 15 SMU at Hermann Stadium. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
