Drake-SLU rematch of '08 NCAA Tourney

Can Drake crash the party?

The Bulldogs will be intent on doing just that when they travel to Hermann Stadium to face Saint Louis for its Homecoming Game this weekend.

We’ll be onsite to bring you the latest free College LIVE! webcast on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7:15 p.m. CST, when defending Atlantic 10 Conference champion Saint Louis hosts Drake.

In a matchup of two national tournament contenders, the No. 41 Billikens have a fireworks show planned for halftime as well as other festivities - but the big question is which program will be celebrating after the game.

Having established itself as a Missouri Valley Conference power and NCAA Tournament participant, Drake is coming off its most successful season in school history when it advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

The Bulldogs are off to a solid start in 2010 despite a top heavy schedule that has included matches against Michigan and Indiana.

They’ll be hoping to get their offense in gear led by top scorer Thomas Ostrander, a junior midfielder, and vital junior attackers Charles Schwartz and Michael Thaden.

The man in charge of defending against Drake’s assault will be Saint Louis goalkeeper Nick Shackelford. A freshman transfer, he has started the first three games and has been a bright spot for the team while posting 13 saves and a 1.55 goals against average.

Conference Top 20 studs Alex Sweetin and Benny Estes will figure prominently for the Billikens who enjoy a strong offensive balance under first-year coach Mike McGinty.

The team is coming off a tough 4-1 loss to No. 2 Tulsa and will be looking to rebound.

In terms of bragging rights, Saint Louis has them. The program has a 2-0-0 record all-time against Drake, including a victory in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. The Billikens also boast the most men’s soccer national titles in NCAA history, though that will mean very little come Saturday.

Tune in Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7:15 p.m. CST, and we’ll watch it all unfold!