After beating Trinity International University, the Saint Xavier men’s soccer team strung three consecutive wins against Saint Ambrose University, Roosevelt University, and Trinity Christian College.
The win against Saint Ambrose was at home and the final two were on the road, where Saint Xavier usually struggled.
In their 2-0 win at home, the four seniors on the team, Frank Valle, Fuad Abuzerr, Jose Zambrano, and David Rebollar were recognized for their contributions to the team.
But it would be junior midfielder, Danny Lopez, making headlines as he scored his third goal of the season, via penalty, in the 26th minute to put SXU in front.
Lopez would add his fourth goal of the season, second of the game, in the 75th minute. It was a great goal as Lopez struck his shot from 35 yards out.
Goalie, Frank Valle notched his fifth shutout of the season in his final home game as an SXU Cougar making three saves in the process.
The team traveled to Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, to face off against Roosevelt University.
Coach Vucinic and his men found themselves down 2-0 in the second half after Roosevelt scored in the 35th and 51st minute.
However, SXU battled back and cut the lead in half in the 61st minute after sophomore defender, Michael Gutierrez, scored following a pass from David Rebollar. Gutierrez was already knocking at the door after having two of his shots blocked and another one saved by the Roosevelt keeper.
Gutierrez would continue to have a part to play offensively as with less than twelve minutes to go until the end of regulation, his pass connected with Danny Lopez who tied the game at two.
Danny Lopez continued his scoring run as he netted the winner in overtime following a pass from junior midfielder, Elias Leyva. The Cougars completed their comeback and won by a final of 3-2.
It was another good performance from Frank Valle who, despite conceding two goals, kept his team in the game. He made a total of 13 saves will all but four coming in the second half.
In their final game of the regular season, the Cougars took on Trinity Christian College on the road.
The game was hard fought with neither team conceding many goal scoring opportunities. The teams headed into the half in a scoreless draw.
The second-half was more of the same with Saint Xavier mustering five shots to Trinity’s three. After 90 minutes, the teams were scoreless and headed to overtime.
Similar to their last game, the Cougars were able to net the winning goal in the early minutes of overtime. Once again, it was Danny Lopez who would be the hero. Lopez slotted home the winner in the 97th minute to give his team a 1-0 victory. It was Lopez’s fourth goal in the last six games.
Lopez’s scoring run did not go unnoticed as he was named CCAC’s Offensive Player of the Week after his performances against Trinity International and Saint Ambrose. Lopez earned his first CCAC Player of the Week honor after being selected All-CCAC Second Team last season.
Saint Xavier ended the regular season on a four game winning streak, including winning six out of their last seven games.
They finished the season with an overall record of 10-7 (6-1 at home; 4-6 away; 7-4 in conference play). They also finished the season by winning two consecutive games on the road. An encouraging sign as they struggled on the road throughout the season.
Saint Xavier’s next game will be in the CCAC Tournament Quarter-finals against a team yet to be named on November 4th.
Ernesto Hernandez
Sports Columnist