Saint Louis claimed its second consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference men’s soccer championship Saturday, defeating Fordham 2-1 at Hermann Stadium to secure the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Tournament. The Selection Show is set for Monday, November 16, at noon Central Time.
The title marks the Billikens’ sixth A-10 crown overall and extends their remarkable postseason pedigree. Saint Louis will make its NCAA-record 53rd tournament appearance, including its fifth in the last six seasons.
Fordham took the lead late in the first half when Marc-Alexandre Happi Emaga capitalized on a loose ball inside the box. The Rams carried a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Saint Louis responded quickly after the restart. Andrew Heckenlaible was fouled in the penalty area, and Alander Soares converted the ensuing penalty kick to level the match at 1-1. Minutes later, the Billikens took the lead for good. Xavi O’Neil delivered a well-placed corner kick that caromed around the box before Drake Fournier finished the chance, scoring the first goal of his season and the eventual game-winner.
Freshman goalkeeper Lucas McPartlin was named Tournament MVP after recording two shutouts in the event and making a pair of crucial second-half saves against Fordham. His performance anchored a defense that held firm once Saint Louis seized control.
The victory gives the Billikens another opportunity to make a deep NCAA Tournament run and further cements their status as a perennial contender in the Atlantic 10.
