April 23, 2008

CINCINNATI - The Xavier men's soccer team played their annual alumni game Friday, pitting current Xavier players against 25 Alumni with several more in attendance to cheer the old guys on.

Some of the key alumni included Sam Fiore, Tiest Sondaal, Matt Kmetz, Nick Frasher, and Vladi Ciric.  The team also included the seven graduating seniors.

The Alumni took a 1-0 lead into the break with a goal from Joe Fleckenstein.  Fleckenstein would double the advantage and his goal count with another strike about 12 minutes into the second frame.  However, Xavier came back strong with a barrage of shots on goal with only the efforts of Alumni keeper Dale Parsons keeping them at bay. 

XU finally broke through with 22 minutes remaining on a goal by freshman Brandon Bucher.  About 5 minutes later, sophomore Ricky Sutherland knotted the match at 2-2 with a strike to the side net.

The Alumni had a few chances, but the Xavier defense held.  With 6 minutes to go Xavier finished the comeback with redshirt freshman Andy Dimbi beating Parsons from 16, making the final score 3-2 in favor of XU. 

"It was a really good match.  The Alumni had a lot and a very talented team.  This wasn't a bunch of guys who haven't played in years.  Most of these guys are still actively playing and a few just finished their professional careers.  The toughest part of the game was getting them all playing time," stated Coach Schureck, who managed the Alumni for the night.

At the final whistle, the teams shook hands and chatted.

"This is always a great night.  The alumni get to come back and see old friends, and see where the program has gone since they left.  At the same time the current players get to meet a really good group of former players."