11 days after their last match, Saint Xavier University opened conference play at home on Wednesday, September 21 against Trinity International University. The men looked for win number one on the season after dropping their first six decisions.
Head coach, Ed Vucinic, and his assistants, Matthew Ball and Agustin Herrera, prepped the Cougars for what should be considered a fresh start to the season. Overall records can be thrown out the window once CCAC play begins and Saint Xavier hoped to benefit from the beginning of a new schedule.
The match was tight throughout. The outcome was not necessarily what the Cougars had in mind, but overall the men should not be upset with their performance.
Senior mid-fielder Kamil Szczesniak and sophomore mid-field mate Elliot Kettle provided two shots on goal, while sophomore Danny Lopez and junior David Rebollar joined the fun with one shot on goal each.
Defensively, Jamie Alonso, Michael Gutierrez and Farai Tsingano shined by limiting Trinity International to just five shots on goal in 110 minutes of playing time. Junior goal keeper, Frank Valle, made sure to keep TIU off the scoreboard with a dramatic diving save near the end of the first overtime period, which preserved the tie.
After two overtimes, Saint Xavier was content with a 0-0 draw in their conference opener. The Cougars totaled 12 shots, including six on goal.
The men continue CCAC play on the road against Purdue University Northwest located in Hammond, Indiana on Saturday, September 24.
Mike Rankin
Senior Sports Editor