By: Isabel Smith ~Staff Writer~

The men’s soccer team returned to the field Friday, Sept. 11 following a loss to Virginia Tech at the start of the week. The Musketeers competed against crosstown rival, Cincinnati, at Gettler Stadium. Xavier defeated the Bearcats 2-1, to remain unbeaten by Cincinnati since 2010. With the win, Xavier’s record improved to 3-2 overall.

The road game against the Bearcats showcased senior midfielder Alex Risdale’s skills with his opening goal in the first half. Sophomore defender Cory Brown aided with the assist to put the first point on the board in the 17th minute. Risdale has played well so far this season, this goal being his fourth in the past five matches. Xavier maintained strong possession in the initial half of the game and outshot Cincinnati 6-2 in the first half.

The Musketeers extended their lead in the second half. Redshirt freshman midfielder Ian Vicars scored the first goal of his college career in the 69th minute with an assist from junior forward Jalen Brown around 12 yards. Six minutes later, the Bearcats posted their first and only point of the match. Senior forward Alejandro Garcia propelled a header past redshirt senior goalkeeper Dallas Jaye for Garcia’s third goal this season.

The possession control was reversed in the second half. UC outshot the Musketeers 6-3. However, Jaye had a strong debut and recorded a save to aid Xavier in the win. The Musketeer’s victory against Cincinnati marks the fourth win for head coach Andy Fleming. Fleming’s record against the Bearcats improved to 4-0-2. The match was the third straight loss for Cincinnati this season, with its record falling to 2-3 overall.

The Musketeers continued their success on Sept. 15 by beating No. 2 Notre Dame 1-0 on the road. Junior forward Jalen Brown scored the match’s only goal in the 47th minute. Notre Dame was the highest ranked team that the Musketeers have ever beaten.

Following the Notre Dame game, Xavier has a pair of home matches against Bucknell and IPFW before conference competition commences. The match against Bucknell will kick-off at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, while the game against will commence at 7 p.m. on Sept. 22.