Box Score: VCU 1, Saint Louis 1
Location: St. Louis, Mo. / Hermann Stadium
Records:  VCU (4-5-5, 1-3-1 A-10), Saint Louis (5-2-6, 3-0-3 A-10)
 
THE SHORT STORY: Closing out their week unbeaten, the Rams fought to a 1-1 draw against Saint Louis at Hermann Stadium, picking up an Atlantic 10 point on the road.
 
PITCH SIDE

• Andrey Salmeron scored the lone VCU goal on his first career penalty kick attempt
• Salmeron's goal was his third of the season, tying his career high and tying Papa Toure for team lead
• With two on-target shots, Salmeron's total of 15 marks a career best for the sophomore
• Damian Gallegos drew the Rams' penalty kick, opening a valuable scoring opportunity
• John Ermini's five saves moved him into eighth place all-time in career saves with 176, just seven saves behind Matt Lord's 183
• This is VCU's first draw in conference play, picking up its fourth point
• Saint Louis remained unbeaten in A-10 play, advancing to 3-0-3

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Billikens opened the scoring in the 14^th minute as a pair of headers redirected a long-ball past Ermini at the post
• Ermini made a spectacular diving save at the bottom left corner of the net in the 56^th minute and Saint Louis was called offsides on the rebound
• Salmeron took his first career penalty kick in a high-stakes moment, sending a dart into the lower left corner for the game-tying goal
• Putting on the pressure, Saint Louis made five shot attempts between the 64^th and 68^th minutes, forcing a trio of saves from Ermini and a pair of blocks
• VCU added two more shots in the 78^th minute, attempting to find a late game-winner, but the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.

 
QUOTABLE
"That was a really big point after playing a tough game midweek and flying across the country while they were off. We were pretty fatigued and they pressed us all over the place and put so many balls in tough places. For us to have that hard of a time getting going and not being able to control the game with the ball and still leave with the point was a really positive result. Lots of grit and toughness from the guys tonight to get what could be a really valuable point at the end of the regular season. I was very proud of the guys tonight. Now we get a much-needed open week to get fresh and as healthy as we can for a big final week of the regular season," Head Coach Dave Giffard said.
 
UP NEXT:
The Rams continue their road trip at La Salle for their final regular season away game on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Philadelphia, Pa.