Jaeden Aguilera against Indiana University Northwest at Deaton Field SXU Athletics Website
The SXU Cougars continue their final push for a potential playoff spot as the season begins its final full month of the regular season.
Game 1: (D) SXU: 0, Judson University: 0
The SXU defense has been one of their strong suits this season and it really showed as kept Judson University off the scoreboard the entire game.
Despite a strong defense outing the SXU offense was also held at bay by the Eagles defense as they were also
Shoutout. SXU goalkeeper Daniel Martinez was the standout for the cougars as he registered 5 saves as he completed his fourth shutout of the season.
At the end of the night both teams would secure a point and the Cougars record now moves to 7-3-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the CCAC.
Game 2: (W) SXU: 2, Saint Ambrose University (Iowa): 0
After a scoreless tie against the Judson University Eagles the Cougars look to turn the page as they head to Iowa to face the Saint Ambrose University Fighting Bees.
The Cougars started the game very aggressive as they took multiple shots on goal to start the game but unfortunately none were able to get past the Bees goalkeeper. SXU’s defense held their ground as they were also able to keep their opponent off the scoreboard for the first half.
Redshirt senior forward Jaedan Aguilera got the scoring started in the 60th minute on a rebound off a shot by Mark Vitaliy Hul, and later setting up the second goal for Diego Garcia just two minutes later. Aguilera collected his 7th goal of the season
Goalkeeper Daniel Martinez recorded four saves and earned his fifth shutout of the season, helping the Cougars secure their 3rd straight shutout and move to 8-3-2 on the year.
Game 3: (W) SXU: 1, Indiana University Northwest: 0
On Saturday Oct. 11 the Cougars hosted Indiana University Northwest as the Cougars edged out a narrow 1-0 victory at Deaton Memorial Field, with the lone goal coming in the 73rd minute when senior forward Jaedan Aguilera converted a penalty kick
It was a relatively competitive game between the two teams which has been the moral of the story for the last few games for the Cougars.
Goalkeeper Daniel Martinez turned in a strong performance with six saves, advancing his record to 8-2-2 on the season while posting his sixth shutout.
SXU has now tied their season high win streak total at three games and have also recorded a season high of five straight shutouts.
Game 4: (W) SXU:5, Calumet College of St Joseph:0
Saint Xavier University carried strong momentum into the day and made it count as they defeated Calumet College of St. Joseph 5-0. The Cougars took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a goal by junior forward Irving Moreno in minute 26 his first of the season.
The second half saw an offensive surge as sophomore forward Eduardo Perez converted a pass from sophomore forward Americo Castaneda at the 48th minute to double the lead for his first goal of the season. Then in the final 10 minutes of the match the floodgates opened as Americo Castaneda scored his first collegiate goal in the 86th minute, quickly followed by junior midfielder Mark Vitaliy Hul at the 86:38 mark for his 5th goal of the year and fifth-year midfielder Saul Camacho in the 89th minute, making it a dominant win for the Cougars.
Overall it was a statement win for the Cougars as they recorded a season-high in goals and a fifth straight shutout as they maintained strong positioning in conference play.
During this four game stretch the Cougars showed some great integrity as their defense held firm and kept them in every game giving their offense a chance to pick up the win.
With just three games left on the season the Cougars will take their 10-3-2 record on the road as they begin their final stretch on Oct. 22 in Joliet Illinois against the University of St. Francis.