Men’s Soccer
Saint Xavier opened its men’s soccer season before students reported back to school. The Cougars faced a great test in its season opener at home against the number one overall, University of Rio Grande.
The defending national champions proved to be too much for the Cougars, as Saint Xavier mustered only three shots, one on goal, in a 2-0 losing effort. Junior goalie, Frank Valle, did well to keep his team in the game with six saves.
The Cougars eventually traveled to Campbellsville, Kentucky to face the 12 ranked Tigers in a competitive affair. Saint Xavier fell behind early, as they let up two goals before the 18-minute mark.
The Cougars’ offense was silent before sophomore midfielder Danny Lopez converted on a penalty kick, with 12 minutes remaining in regulation. Lopez finished with two shots on goal, and three overall. The comeback attempt fell short, as Saint Xavier left Kentucky with a bitter taste after a 2-1 loss.
Through four games this season, Kamil Szczesniak and Danny Lopez each have a goal to their credit, while Lopez leads the team in shots with seven. Goalie Frank Valle has started all four games this season for the Cougars, and saved 24 shots on goal.
The men have two games in Michigan as a part of the Spring Arbor University Tournament before conference play begins on September 21.
Women’s soccer
Saint Xavier opened its season with an exciting contest on August 27 against the NCAA Division I opponent, Chicago State University.
The Cougars fell behind early after allowing a goal in the 31st and 54th minute of the first half. Senior forward Christina Sperando responded almost immediately by scoring an unassisted tally just two minutes later.
The game was tight throughout, before Chicago State scored a late goal to put them up 3-1. Sperando converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute to draw the Cougars within one, but time ran out on Saint Xavier in the opener.
Saint Xavier looked to bounce back against Cornerstone University on September 3, and found themselves in a grudge match.
Senior Alex Perry played well enough to earn CCAC Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the week with a career performance. Perry saved an impressive 19 shots in a double overtime affair to help her team tie Cornerstone in a 0-0 game.
Like the men, the Saint Xavier women are gearing for conference play that begins September 20, against Trinity International University.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor