BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA — Saint Louis pulled off a stunning upset, defeating sixth-ranked Indiana 1-0 in an NCAA Division I tournament match Sunday in front of 2,255 fans at Indiana's home stadium. The Billikens, riding a two-game winning streak, broke through in the 16th minute when Tanner Anderson found the back of the net with assists from Jeremi Abonnel and Theo Franca, a goal that would prove to be the difference in a tightly contested battle.
Anderson's early strike set the tone for a match that saw Indiana dominate possession and create numerous chances but struggle with finishing. The Hoosiers controlled much of the first half, with Palmer Ault testing Saint Louis's defense repeatedly. Ault fired three shots on frame in the opening 45 minutes, including efforts in the 2nd, 8th, and 11th minutes, but couldn't find a way past Saint Louis goalkeeper Nick Schramm, who made crucial stops when needed.
Saint Louis, meanwhile, played a disciplined defensive game while looking to capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. The visitors absorbed significant pressure from the home side, which earned eight corner kicks throughout the match. Despite Indiana's territorial advantage, Saint Louis's backline, anchored by defenders like JC Cortez and Jack DiMaria, held firm. Quinten Blair picked up a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 6th minute, setting an early tone for a physical contest.
The second half saw Indiana intensify its search for an equalizer, with Collins Oduro and Nolan Kinsella combining for multiple attempts. Kinsella, in particular, tested Schramm with shots in the 54th, 78th, and 84th minutes, but the Saint Louis goalkeeper remained equal to the task. Indiana made several substitutions trying to inject fresh energy into their attack, but the Billikens' defense refused to crack under sustained pressure.
Saint Louis made tactical adjustments of its own, rotating players to maintain defensive shape and manage the game's tempo. The team's ability to absorb Indiana's attacking waves while staying organized in transition proved decisive. Saint Louis finished with just three shot attempts but converted the one that mattered, while Indiana managed 16 attempts but could only register three on target—a stark difference in clinical finishing. St. Louis awaits the winner of Bryant and Seton Hall.
The Billikens' defensive resilience was on full display, particularly in the final 20 minutes when Indiana threw everything forward. Saint Louis recorded three saves to Indiana's zero, a reflection of how the match unfolded. Yellow cards to Blair, Gershon Henry, and a team caution for dissent showed the intensity and frustration mounting as Indiana chased the game.
This victory showcases Saint Louis's tournament pedigree and ability to win tight matches in high-pressure situations. Coming off a penalty shootout victory over Kentucky just three days earlier, the Billikels demonstrated composure and defensive discipline against a ranked opponent in an unfamiliar environment. Anderson's early goal gave Saint Louis a blueprint to follow: score first, defend compactly, and make opponents chase the game.
For Indiana, the loss marks a disappointing end to their home tournament run. Despite their ranking and home-field advantage, the Hoosiers couldn't overcome Saint Louis's organized defensive structure. The defeat snaps Indiana's recent momentum after a dominant 5-0 victory over Rutgers just days prior, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in tournament soccer.