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Golden Eagles Net 2-1 Victory Over Xavier In Home Opener
Sept. 7, 2007
Milwaukee - MU-Xavier Box Score (PDF)
Feeding off the energy from a large crowd and enthusiastic student section, the Marquette University men's soccer team (1-2-0) tallied a 2-1 victory over Xavier (2-1-0) Friday night at Valley Fields in the team's home opener. "I was pleased with the way we defended our home ground and stuck to the game plan," head coach Louis Bennett said. "The crowd tonight was tremendous and exactly what we are hoping to see on a regular basis. They were active and vocal, everything a team needs to help it have success at home." The Golden Eagles dominated play at both ends, outshooting the Musketeers 16-7 and forcing netminder Matt Pyzdrowski to make just three saves in 90 minutes of action and those opportunities all came from long range. Pyzdrowski returned to the lineup for Marquette after missing the first two outings with an injury. After failing to convert on a penalty kick in the opening five minutes of the match, MU's first goal of the night came at the 36:43 mark. Bennett stressed the importance of set pieces in training this week and saw his premonition realized on the first career tally by newcomer Stefan Antonijevic. Sophomore Billy Von Rueden floated a well-placed free kick from near midfield into the box and Antonijevic used all of his 6-5 frame to connect on a header just inside the near post.
Xavier netted the equalizer three minutes later, but the Golden Eagles were determined to enter halftime with the advantage. Senior Mike Carlson's long throw from the near side dropped into the middle of the box, slipping through the hands of XU goalkeeper Adam Sokolowski. Freshman Josh Curry was attacking the net at the far post and found the ball on his foot for an easy tap in. "We had guys playing new positions for the first time tonight," Bennett said. "We have been training for those roles, but you never know how that will translate into the game. I was proud of the effort and it's important that we maintain our focus." The most dangerous player on the pitch for the night was freshman Sam Etim. The striker from Rockford, Ill., came in midway through the first half and was immediately the target on a pair of well-placed services. In the first half he took on the entire Xavier back line by himself, only to see his shot from inside the box sail wide. Marquette had several quality scoring chances in the second half as well. A pair of late attempts in the box sailed high and Antonijevic hit the right post with a one-timer from the top of the box. The Golden Eagles return to action at 1 p.m. when the squad hosts Green Bay at Valley Fields. |
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