WASHINGTON, D.C. - Saint Louis (6-2-4) continued their strong conference form with a 2-0 victory over George Washington (2-8-2) on Wednesday evening in Atlantic 10 action. The Billikens controlled the match from start to finish, securing their second straight road win.
Abdoul Karim Pare opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, finishing a well-placed assist from Kavi Badh to give Saint Louis the lead. Drake Fournier doubled the advantage in the 45th minute, also assisted by Badh, sending the Billikens into halftime with a commanding 2-0 advantage.
The first half saw Saint Louis establish their dominance early, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Xavi O'Neil tested the George Washington defense with a shot in the 24th minute, while Pare continued to threaten with another attempt in the 30th minute. The Colonials struggled to generate offense, managing just two shots through Jaden Dubon and Louis Crofts in the opening 45 minutes.
Saint Louis maintained their control in the second half, though the pace slowed considerably. The Billikens' tactical discipline was evident as they managed the game, with Kai Jaeger receiving a yellow card in the 48th minute for an tactical foul. George Washington's Jake Hobbs had their best chance in the 59th minute, but his shot went wide. Theo Franca picked up Saint Louis's second yellow card in the 58th minute.
The statistical dominance of Saint Louis was clear throughout the match. The Billikens outshot the Colonials 14-4, putting 8 shots on target compared to just 1 for George Washington. Saint Louis also held the advantage in corner kicks (8-4), while both teams battled through a physical match that saw multiple fouls and two yellow cards for the visitors.
Kavi Badh was instrumental in the victory, providing both assists in his creative midfield role. Abdoul Karim Pare continued his strong season with his goal, while Drake Fournier's strike just before halftime proved decisive. The Saint Louis defense, anchored by their backline, limited George Washington to just one shot on target throughout the entire match.
The tactical approach from Saint Louis focused on controlling possession and creating chances through their skilled midfield. George Washington attempted to counter through Omar Alsabagh and Connor Russ but struggled to break through the organized Billiken defense. The visitors' press effectively disrupted the Colonials' buildup play throughout both halves.
This victory extends Saint Louis's unbeaten streak in conference play, improving their Atlantic 10 record while George Washington's struggles continue with their third consecutive loss. The Billikens' defensive organization and clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a match they controlled from the opening whistle.
The result highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both programs this season. Saint Louis demonstrated why they're among the conference's top teams, while George Washington showed flashes of potential but lacked the finishing touch in the final third. The Billikens' ability to convert their chances while maintaining defensive solidarity proved to be the winning formula.
Looking ahead, Saint Louis will aim to continue their momentum when they travel to VCU for a crucial conference matchup on October 11. George Washington looks to snap their losing streak as they visit Saint Joseph's on the same date, with both teams searching for important conference points.