The magic is coming back at just the right time for SLUH Soccer. In the six games they’ve played since their heartbreaking loss to Chaminade, they’ve scored 28 goals and allowed just one: an unprecedented ratio, even by SLUH standards. Now, with 7 straight wins under their belt, the Jr. Bills (21-1-1) are gearing up for districts and preparing to make history in the process. 

Following the scoring drought against Chaminade, SLUH came out swinging in its next two games against Helias and Quincy Notre Dame. 8 goals in each game propelled the Jr. Bills to two straight mercy rule victories, a special milestone for head coach Bob O’Connell. 

“That was the first time we’ve mercied anybody in my four years,” he said. “I thought on Saturday against Quincy Notre Dame especially we were really sharp and played really well.”

All of the stars were on display for both games. Senior Stephen Saladin led the team with 4 goals, followed closely by sophomore Grant Locker, with 3. Juniors Sam Tieber and Kevin Cooney as well as senior Jared Thornberry all added to their goal totals for the year while senior Will Broun and junior Joe Olascoaga each notched their first goals of the season. The wins were exciting, but they certainly felt hollow compared to the dominant victory the following Tuesday against CBC. 

Widely regarded as one of SLUH’s top competitions for the state title this year, the Jr. Bills were expecting a grueling match against the Cadets. In a stunning display of goals, though, SLUH beat their MCC rival 5-0. Senior Tyler Van Bree played a big role in the win. His aggressiveness in the box led to two goals in the first half, including one that flew right between the legs of CBC’s keeper. Junior Lucas Hammond rocketed another shot from 20 yards into the back of the net and SLUH went into halftime up by 3, a difficult outcome to have predicted. After another goal from Cooney and a successful penalty kick from Saladin (his 7th of the season) in the second half, SLUH took the CBC game by a significant margin. O’Connell was impressed by his team’s play against the Cadets. 

“The game against CBC was probably our most complete game we’ve had in my four years [as coach]. I thought the kids were sharp from the beginning and they fought the entire game. Defensively we were strong and smart and I think the score reflected it,” he said.

In just three games, SLUH had racked up 23 unanswered goals, their best streak of the season by far. Although it’s uncommon for high school teams to be scoring so easily, the goals didn’t surprise O’Connell.

“[The goals] are who we are [as a team]. We have good players and it’s really fun to watch. We make teams pay for mistakes even as they’re attacking,” he said. “We can score a goal on you in 2 or 3 passes and that’s a pretty unique thing in high school soccer.”

The offense struggled a bit more in their next match against Vianney, though. After 1 half of play, the Jr. Bills found themselves tied 1-1 against the Griffins, who had scored off of a corner kick. Even after many chances in the second half, Locker’s first half goal was the only success SLUH could find in front of the net. As time expired in the 2nd half, it seemed SLUH would have to settle for their second tie of the season. Unless, of course, they could muster their second last minute goal of the season. 

Consistent with their season’s magic so far, though, that’s exactly what happened. With 30 seconds left, Locker struck again, scoring off of an assist from Saladin and giving SLUH the win.  

“Grant’s goal at the end was just an example of just how tough they are and how they fight until the end,” reflected O’Connell. “It was a fun way to win that game.”

After the offensive dominance that ruled the games following Chaminade, the quiet but consistent play of SLUH’s defense was easily overshadowed. On last Saturday’s match against St. Dominic, though, it was the defense that stepped up. Sophomore keeper Chris Lewis was tested right away. Lewis blocked several fast shots early in the first half and had to face three straight corner kicks from the Crusaders. All three failed to find the back of the net. 

With the Crusader offense covered, SLUH’s forwards could begin chipping away at their defense. SLUH’s first goal came off a Saladin breakaway. Senior defenseman Ben Ridgway shot the ball upfield to a wide open Saladin who sprinted through the box and easily put the ball away. Riding high after Vianney, Locker also scored twice after Saladin, bringing the total score to 3-0. It was another decisive win against a tough team for SLUH.

After chugging through a difficult stretch of games, many Jr. Bills got more of a rest this past Tuesday against Eureka. With his mind firmly on Districts, O’Connell was committed to letting his starters rest. Even with newer faces on the field, O’Connell was impressed with the team’s consistent play and depth. SLUH went on to win 4-0, with goals from Saladin, Tieber, Cooney, and Hammond.

“I made a decision as we prepare for this week in districts to limit the minutes of some guys. Everybody we brought in really contributed and the level didn’t drop. It was really a great performance, I think I ended up getting 25 kids in the second half and it was a good game for us. I hope it prepares us well for Thursday,” said O’Connell.

After last night's 2-0 win against De Smet, SLUH now prepares to face MICDS tonight for their senior night in a game with potentially significant outcomes. No team in the History of SLUH Soccer has lost fewer than 2 games. If the Jr. Bills can pull out a win tonight against MICDS (a team they beat earlier this fall in the preseason Jamboree), this year’s team can post one of the best records in program history. Even with a loss, they join an esteemed company. Two of the three teams that lost only 2 games went on to win the state championship. 

After MICDS, the team will head into a week of practices aimed at fine-tuning their skills and recovering after the recent wins.

“We strategically don't play that week. Getting some of that fitness back can be a huge advantage in these cold November games if you make it a priority and we will,” O’Connell said.

In the meantime, players and fans alike wait with great anticipation to see how this year’s postseason will go.