By Spencer Tracy, Staff Writer
Since beating Marshall at home on Aug. 29 and increasing their season record to 2-0-0, Xavier men’s soccer has raised some eyebrows with their inconsistencies.
Two days after the massive upset, Xavier men’s soccer welcomed undefeated Duquesne University to Corcoran Field. Emotions were running high after one of the biggest wins in program history. Xavier looked impressive to start as Duquesne’s offense was weak, which was uncharacteristic after outscoring their last two opponents 6-2.
Just two shots on goal the entire game compared to Xavier’s 13 gave fans reason to believe a Musketeer goal was just around the corner. Not only did Xavier’s defense shut down all attacks, but the offense also threatened to score with nine corner kicks. However, each corner resulted in empty attacks.
The scoreless tie was broken when Duquesne capitalized on one of their few opportunities, putting the Muskies in the hole with just nine minutes left. The adrenaline kicked in for the Dukes after the goal as they began to play aggressively, receiving five yellow cards in less than six minutes. It was enough to keep the Muskies quiet as the final whistle blew, giving the Dukes a 1-0 victory.
On Sept. 5, the Musketeers faced off against Bradley University at Corcoran field. Bradley was expected to give Xavier a strong fight, taking the field 3-1-0 on the season.
Trailing 2-0 after a Bradley goal in the 52nd minute, the Muskies didn’t panic and instead answered with a goal themselves two minutes later. A free kick attempt by first-year midfielder Jack Bilyeu set up a game-tying goal in the 83rd minute by junior defender Matthew Senanou, resulting in a 2-2 draw to end the game.
Copper Forcellini scored the only goal for the Musketeers against St. John’s University last Friday, leading them to a 1-0 win over the Red Storm.
The Muskies then took a short road trip to Columbus to take on the No. 21 team in the country, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Xavier came in as underdogs, but with a top three ranked win already under their belt, this game was within reach. Tied at one goal apiece after trailing at halftime, the Buckeyes ran away with the game after a gut wrenching goal in the 77th minute, extending their lead. The Buckeyes took the game with a score of 3-1.
Next, the team shipped off to Loudonville, N.Y. taking on Siena College. It was a game that should have gotten the team back on track as the Saints were just 1-2-2. The Muskies at the time were 2-2-2 and looking to improve.
While the Muskies outshot their opponent 10-3 for the third time in the last four games, they left New York with another tie. A draw isn’t a loss, but against Siena it was not exactly what third year head coach John Higgins had in mind.
The Muskies returned to Corcoran Field beginning Big East play against St. John’s University last Friday. Both teams hoped to start Big East play strong after inconsistent starts to their seasons. The 1-1-4 Red Storm had plenty to prove, but the Muskies had defended their home turf well thus far with a 2-0-1 record at home, outscoring invading opponents 8-4.
It was early fireworks for the Muskies offense after junior midfielder George Waites assisted fellow junior midfielder Cooper Forcellini for his sixth goal of the season. After that, it was all defense as the Musketeers held on for the 1-0 victory despite allowing 16 shots, three of which were on goal.
With a win to begin Big East play, the Muskies hold a 3-2-3 record. They will continue Big East play on Saturday against DePaul University before heading north to face the University of Akron.