By: Nikhil Jelaji

The Xavier men’s soccer team dropped its Big East opener 1-0 on Saturday against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Xavier Soccer Complex.

This ended the Musketeers’ five-match unbeaten streak (3-4-2, 0-1 Big East).

Marquette scored in the 31st minute, proving to be the difference in Saturday night’s match.

Redshirt sophomore forward C. Nortey of Marquette University capitalized on an opportunity when he split a pair of Xavier defenders with one touch off a pass from his teammate.

Nortey dodged a tackle and found the back of the net from the top of the 18-yard box.

Junior defender Garrett Halfhill almost found the back of the net off of a free kick from senior midfielder Gino DePaoli, but the header went straight to the goalkeeper.

The Musketeers tested the Golden Eagle’s defense throughout the match, especially during the final minutes of regulation.

However, Xavier was unable to score on back-to-back corner kicks.

Marquette had the shot advantage with 10 while Xavier only had seven shots on the night.

The Golden Eagles committed more fouls than the Musketeers, with 11 fouls to seven.

Marquette also led in the advantage for corner kicks with four, while the Musketeers had two.

Xavier goalkeeper Eric Osswald took a loss but was able to manage three saves on the night.

Marquette’s redshirt junior goalkeeper Charlie Lyon only notched one save.

Xavier traveled to the University of Pittsburgh for its final non-conference game of the 2013 schedule yesterday and came away with a 2-1 win. Freshman forward Jalen Brown and Halfhill recorded goals for Xavier.

The Musketeers will be on the road for the next two matches, traveling to face their new Big East rival Creighton on Oct. 5 and DePaul on Oct. 9.