SLU Versus Augustana College Game Notes (21 Apr 06)

SLU faced off against undefeated #10 Augustana Vikings to start the Crossover Tournament.  SLU started off strongly scoring the first goal in transition off the opening faceoff.  Gaetano Falcone won the faceoff and immediately created a fast break and earned himself the first points of the game.  Augustana maintained their composure and took control of the game, scoring five unanswered goals.  The Augustana offense sat back and slowly picked apart SLU’s defense.  SLU was unwilling to fade away though.  After Augustana’s fifth goal, SLU called a timeout and adjusted the defense.  The Billikens began playing a much tighter defense and constantly challenged the man with the ball no matter how far away from the goal he may have been.  SLU also began riding on their offensive end with more fervor to try and prevent the Vikings from gaining any offensive possessions.

SLU scored two unanswered goals as the half wound down taking a 3-5 deficit into the break.

The second half was more of the same battle.  The Billikens pulled within one after a Phil Fasano roll dodge and scored an unassisted goal.  Augustana quickly answered to regain their two-goal lead.  Jeff Steitz then answered Augustana’s goal with a drive from the top of the box and goal scored off the goalies left hip.  SLU scored one more time before the end of the third quarter to tie the game at 6-6 going into the final quarter.

SLU pulled ahead in the fourth with another goal by Phil Fasano.  Augustana tied the game up a few minutes later.  SLU pulled ahead by one again, just to have Augustana tie the game back up at eight a piece.  Finally, Gaetano Falcone put SLU up for good with a beautiful drive and unassisted goal.  The final horn sounded with SLU giving the eventual GRLC – B Champion Augustana Vikings their lone loss of the season by a score of 9 – 8.

SLU boasted several players with multiple goals.  Gaetano Falcone scored his first hat trick of the year with three goals.  Phil Fasano scored his second consecutive hat trick with three goals of his own.  Jeff Steitz also managed to score two goals.  Ryan Van Dyke scoring a goal assisted by defensemen Pat Judge rounded out the scoring.  Ben Zaegel also put up a stellar performance making 15 difficult saves and only allowing eight goals.