Nov. 15, 2009

Saint Louis Postgame Video
Dayton Postgame Video
Box Score
Photo Gallery

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Michael Robson and Mike Roach each tallied goals for Saint Louis, leading the Billikens to a 2-0 victory over Dayton in the finals of the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Championship.

The conference championship tournament was held at the URI Soccer Complex, on the campus of the University of Rhode Island, from Nov. 12-15.

In a matchup of the two top seeded in the tournament, #1 Dayton (14-5-1) and #2 Saint Louis (14-6-0) played to a scoreless first half, with both teams attempting five shots on-goal.

SLU's Robson tallied the eventual game-winner in the 59th minute, converting a rebound after the Flyers' Tyler Picard stopped the initial header by teammate Alex Johnston. It was Robson's second score of the season.

The Billikens sealed the victory late, with Roach scoring at the 87:25 mark. The goal was set up by a Scott Wisniewski pass down the left flank, drawing UD's Picard out of the net. Wisniewski crossed it to Roach - the Championship's Most Outstanding Player - who chipped it into the open net. It was Roach's 10th goal of the season.

For the match, Dayton outshot, 10-9, but only managed to put two of those shots on-goal. Saint Louis put seven on their nine shots on net. Dayton's Tyler Picard made five saves in goal, while SLU's Ross Kaufman stopped both shots he encountered.

With the victory, the Billikens earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.

2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer All-Championship Team
Mike Roach (Saint Louis); Josh Aranda (Saint Louis); Tim Ream (Saint Louis); Randy Dennis (Dayton); Ben Murray (Dayton); Jeff Popella (Dayton); Chris Pennock (Rhode Island); Gary Crooks (Rhode Island); Brett Allen (St. Bonaventure); Sam Maheu (St. Bonaventure); Evan James (Charlotte).

Most Outstanding Player: Mike Roach (Saint Louis)