SLU Versus Western Illinois University Game Notes (05 Mar 06)
SLU faced off against the #16 Leathernecks of Western Illinois University. It began raining almost two hours before game time and never let up until after the final whistle. Despite the wet weather, SLU came out strong from the start. It was clear that the momentum and team chemistry gained during the Lindenwood scrimmage was not lost. SLU was dominating on face offs from the start, earning the first possession of the game. The Billikens primarily attacked the WIU defense from up top with the midfielders and from the wing attackman slots. Jeff Steitz, Joe Joyce, and Gaetano Falcone all managed to create opportunities for four goals and three assists driving from the top of the box in the first quarter. Although SLU dominated the majority of the first quarter, the team made some mistakes in transition and began playing too frantically at times. SLU had a couple of let downs leading to two WIU goals. At the end of the quarter, the Billikens held a 4-2 lead.
The second quarter the Billikens managed to take total control of the game and generated a dominating lead. The highlight of the quarter was Jeff Steitz driving across the field laterally and finding a cutting Gaetano Falcone in front of the cage for what might be the prettiest Billiken goal of the year. While the offense was running efficiently and effectively, the Billiken defense was also strong. Mike Van Tiem, Ross Bextermueller, and Chet Welker all held their respective attackmen completely in check. Van Tiem was especially effective completely shutting down Nick Esposito, a First Team All-GRLC player. As the halftime horn sounded, the Billikens had opened up a comfortable 9-2 lead.
The second half started with the Billikens re-establishing their ability to score off of isolation plays for their attackman. Cory Van Dyke patiently worked his defensemen to set up a good open look and shot on cage. Cory made that shot count, scoring in the upper right corner of the goal. The Billikens never scored the same way twice in the second half. The team focused on scoring assisted goals and giving every player an opportunity to showcase their ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
The Billikens ultimately won the game with a final score of 17-4. More impressively, the Billikens earned 12 assists on their 17 goals and had 8 different scorers. The Billikens won with what was truly a team effort and have established that they are a team to watch.
The offense can provide a variety of different looks and can score in a variety of different ways with a variety of different players. The attack boasts two very athletic and gifted wing attackmen in the Van Dyke brothers. Freshman Phil Fasano does an excellent job behind the cage. Phil is a constant threat to break open a game and score goals in bunches. The midfield consists of all different types of offensive players ranging from the very athletic Gaetano Falcone and Jeff Steitz to the very well rounded Matt Brennan to the field savy and opportunistic play of Brian Moore and Nick Frichtel to the raw scoring ability of Joe Joyce.
The defense is also as impressive making adjustments as needed throughout the game and simply shutting teams down with three very aggressive and very talented close defensemen. All of SLU’s midfielders are very strong at defending their position and simply do not allow themselves to get beat. Most importantly, the defense is anchored by sophomore Ben Zaegel. Ben is one of the most athletic goalies you will see. He not only makes amazing, athletic saves, but he is fully capable of clearing the ball all by himself.
As the Billikens go into a three week hiatus, they can feel good about what they have accomplished thus far. The team has learned to work together as a unit and they have learned how to flat out win games. Look for SLU to pick up where they left off against the University of Missouri – Rolla on Friday March 24th.
