It's the only game of the week for the men's soccer program, but it's certainly a doozy. This Saturday, their game against St. Louis could secure a spot in the C-USA tournament for the No. 22 Tigers for the first time since 1998, or ruin their lead in the conference.
"Huge" was the word that came to mind for Memphis' leading scorer, Dayton O'Brien.
"Nobody on this team has ever beaten St. Louis," O'Brien said. "You've got to treat it like any other conference game but you also have to remember that it's St. Louis. You've got to stay focused."
Focusing on the offense and defense is the team's goal against a traditionally offensive-oriented St. Louis team. The Billikens (7-5-1 overall, 4-2-1 in C-USA) have put down the Tigers in the last six meetings, and it's not just a coincidence.
"That's been how the story goes," said Daniel Dobson. "They just find a way to beat us. We're focusing on everyone having a great game and having everyone play to the best of their ability."
St. Louis is one of the strongest teams in the conference that normally holds the lead in all the national rankings for C-USA. This year, however, Memphis (9-3-1, 5-1) has the lead in the NSCAA Midwest Regional Poll. St. Louis ranks fourth, just one spot behind the Tigers. Memphis also leads in the conference standings, but their 3-15-1 all-time record against the Billikens, and the possibility of a secured spot in the C-USA tournament are just a couple of reasons for the nerves over this Saturday.
"They have a lot of good players," said head coach Richie Grant. "It's something that St. Louis has always been good at -- a good attacking team. They've always been a good team and this should be one of the top games of the season."
St. Louis' attacking team is all about taking shots wherever they can. They lost Wednesday's game against Cincinnati 1-0, but it was not for lack of trying. The Billikens out-shot the Bearcats 14-6 and saved two Cincinnati shots, but still came up short. St. Louis also incorporates a lot of corner kicks, taking twelve in the Cincinnati showdown.
Grant said he expects a similar performance against his team."You have to expect a tough game," said Grant. "You have to attempt to stop their strengths. Our attack is very good and our defense is better than it has been any other season."
A good defense is key against the Billikens. Their leading offensive midfielder, Will Johns, holds the reigns of the offense with 22 points, nine goals and four assists. For that, he's one of the main players Memphis will be marking.
Dayton O'Brien, following a winning free kick against DePaul, is now leading the Tigers' offense. O'Brien's goal is to put some heat on the Billikens' goalkeeper, but he said he hopes the defense stays as sharp as they have been.
"We have to stay sharp on all sides of the field," said O'Brien. "As long as the defense stays sharp we should make it tough for them."
The Tigers are not lacking in confidence, despite the threat Saint Louis presents.
"I think in the past years, the trick's been that they were a winning team. They've had a confidence that only comes with wins. It's an attitude we get to take on the field now."
