SXU forward Rodrigo Hernandez with the ball SXU Athletics
Saint Xavier University vs. Judson University 0-1 (L)
The men’s Saint Xavier University (SXU) soccer team saw a 1-0 defeat in their visit to Judson University on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Dawson Field in Elgin, Ill.
Despite the loss, the Cougars secured a spot in the 2024 CCAC Tournament which starts on Nov. 7. This is the 16th consecutive season they were qualified for the tournament.
SXU conceded in the 43th minute, right before the halftime whistle. SXU had opportunities to score but could not capitalize.
In the 26th minute, sophomore forward Ivring Moreno had a shot from a corner kick delivery, but it went over the bar.
SXU had a couple of chances in the last ten minutes of the match but both shots were saved by the keeper.
Senior forward Jaedan Aguilera had the only shot for the Cougars on target, only playing 72 minutes of action.
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Joel Estrada had four saves in his 12th start between the sticks for the Cougars.
Judson completed more shots than SXU, having 13 with five heading to goal. The Cougars had 3 with the lone shot trying to find the net.
SXU has not had a good record against Judson. Their last victory was back on Oct. 23, 2019 winning 2-1 in Dawson Field. In that stretch, they have lost six games in a consecutive fashion.
Junior midfielder Daniel Diaz, Estrada, redshirt junior defender Kevin Kapica, senior defender Aldo Lagunas, and junior midfielder Omar Aparicio all played the full minutes for SXU.
Saint Xavier University vs. Trinity Christian College 0-5 (L)
Continuing on the weekend’s event, SXU took on Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill. on Saturday, Nov. 2 in their last conference game of the season. It was a disappointing result for the Cougars as they lost 0-5.
The Trolls took the lead in the first 13 minutes of the game and did not look back as they went on to dominate.
Their second goal came at the minute 35 mark and SXU entered the half 0-2 down.
The Troll’s next three goals came in the 53, 78, and 86 minutes of the game to secure a commanding win over the Cougars.
Freshman defender Ceasar Martinez had a shot on target in the 37th minute but it was saved by Trinity’s keeper.
Freshman forward Rodrigo Hernandez had two shots with one to go in the 71 minutes that he played.
This is the third time in a row that SXU could not score or defeat Trinity Christian. SXU previously lost the last matchups 0-3.
SXU had a total of seven shots and two went to the target. They tried to get themselves back into the game but let it slip away.
In 90 minutes of football, junior goalkeeper Daniel Martinez, senior defender Anthony Moreno, and sophomore defender Neil Soans all played.
Overall, SXU started their season on a positive journey, going unbeaten in their first five games. They recorded three wins and two draws without conceding a goal. Since then, they have not been able to reach that same level, but they have an opportunity at the CCAC quarter finals and look to advance deep into the tournament.
Upon entering the CCAC tournament, SXU has been able to win their last five encounters. They are left sixth place in the conference standings with 12 points with a record of three wins, four draws and three defeats.
In their next game, SXU will start their route in the CCAC tournament, the opponent is yet to be announced at the time of writing with the league expecting to announce the opponent early next week. SXU will have to play much better if they want to advance to the CCAC Semifinals.