Women’s soccer (3-5-3, 1-1-0 Atlantic 10) fell to Saint Louis (6-1-3, 2-0-0 A-10) 4-0 on Sunday for their first loss in conference play.
The loss follows a 1-0 win against St. Bonaventure (1-8-1, 0-2-0) at home last week. The Revs had a tough go for much of nonconference play, including their final non-A-10 last game against NC State, where they lost 4-0, conceding three goals in the second half.
Against 22nd-ranked Saint Louis, all goals were let up in the first half, including two in the first four minutes. Senior defender Alicia Window said the team struggled to respond to early difficulties but were able to battle through the game.
“In the second half, there was a lack of response and we kind of struggled when they got a few goals passed to come back from that,” Window said. “But I think we really fought the challenge against them.”
Head Coach Jeremy Williams said the team struggled with defensive preparation leading up to their game against the Billikens.
“What we saw against Saint Louis was the importance of making sure we’re prepared,” Williams said. “Preparation for whatever the situation is and making sure we’re set and ready to go.”
Saint Louis maintained offensive control, collecting 25 shots, 13 of which were on goal. The Revs managed seven shots in total, three of which were on goal. Senior goalkeeper Ainsley Lumpe kept nine of the Billikens’ shots out of goal, bringing her to a 0.691 save percentage this season, ranking outside the top ten in the A-10 for save percentage.
Williams said the team is working to strengthen their defensive identity throughout the season and working to show up consistently. Defense was a priority for Williams entering his first season as head coach this summer after the team let up 2.11 goals per game last season, the second-highest in the A-10.
“Making sure from a consistency standpoint, from a mental standpoint that we’re engaged, we’re set up so that we don’t allow an individual error or just a lack of concentration,” Williams said.
The team took on a dozen additions to the roster this season, including 11 freshmen and one sophomore transfer student.
Window said since preseason, the team has quickly embraced strategies to boost its play.
“I think there’s been huge improvements in both the understanding of what we’re trying to do as far as it relates to how we play, both in the attack and from a defensive standpoint,” Window said.
Heading into their next match against George Mason, Williams said he is emphasizing the details needed to be a winning team.
“It’s about making sure to continue to do the things that have made us be successful up to this point,” Williams said. “But can we do them a little bit quicker, can we be a little bit sharper in some of those areas.”
The Revolutionaries next play George Mason on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. on the Mount Vernon Campus.
