By: Jack Dunn ~Guest Writer~

The men’s soccer team dropped a close game to the Providence Friars while picking up two victories against the Cleveland State Vikings and St. John’s Red Storm, improving to 3-1 in Big East Play and 6-3-2 overall.

The Musketeers were defeated 2-1 by Providence on Oct. 1 in a tight match. Xavier was able to get ahead early, scoring in the 31st minute off a penalty kick by redshirt senior midfielder Majed Osman, his second goal of the season. Providence then equalized shortly afterwards in the 42nd minute with its own penalty kick. The game would not be decided by the end of regulation, and Providence was able to squeeze out a victory with a golden goal in the 99th minute. Providence snapped a three game losing streak with the victory and improved to 1-2 in Big East Play and 5-5 on the season.

After the loss at Providence, the Musketeers were able to pick up a 1-0 victory at Cleveland State on Oct. 4. The goal came in the 19th minute off a header by junior defenseman Cory Brown, assisted by a cross from senior forward Jalen Brown. It was the junior’s first goal of the season. The victory was the Musketeers’ first ever over Cleveland State, with the Vikings having won the previous nine meetings. The Vikings fell to 4-6-1 in the loss, their third loss in four matches.

Following the victory over Cleveland State, Xavier added a 2-0 win over St. John’s on Oct. 8. The first goal came in the 47th minute, with senior forward Matt Vasquenza scoring his third goal of the season after beating a Red Storm defender off a pass from Osman. Xavier would carry the lead into the locker room at half and would add another goal in the 70th minute off the foot of Jalen Brown from just outside the penalty box, sealing the 2-0 victory. Osman also recorded another assist on the play. Senior goalkeeper Colin Hanley made six saves, increasing his total to 31. He also earned his fourth clean sheet of the season. With his goal, Jalen Brown leads the team with four on the season.

The loss was St. John’s first in Big East play, moving the Red Storm to 1-1-2 in conference and 5-3-3 overall.

In reward for his game winning effort over Cleveland State and his contribution to the victory over St. John’s, Cory Brown was named to College Soccer News National Team of the week.

The Musketeers will play their next game at home against Belmont on Oct. 11.