It wasn’t all bad news for soccer in the US, at least for Saint Xavier. Following a week where both the men’s and women’s team lost to Cardinal Stritch and Judson University, respectively, they went unbeaten against Calumet College of St. Joseph and Robert Morris University.
Not only that but players from both SXU teams also received honors for their outstanding play.
Coach Strehlau’s team played much better defensively and beat Calumet 1-0 and drew against Robert Morris. Both games were at home in Deaton Field,
Sophomore forward, Alyssa Gilman, scored in extra time to give the Cougars a 1-0 win. The goal came off a cross from sophomore defender, Dana Hamden, following a corner kick. Hamden cross it into the box where Gilman was able to connect and head it past the goalkeeper.
Sophomore keeper, Ashley Smialek, started for the Cougars and played a vital role in not only ensuring a clean sheet, but keeping SXU in the game, Smialek recorded four saves on the night.
SXU played to a consecutive positive result by drawing against Robert Morris University. The Cougars trailed after 28 minutes following a ridiculous long-distance goal by RMU’s Lauren Campbell.
Entering the second-half, SXU took control of the game finding themselves with more of the ball in search of an equalizer. The equalizer came in the 71st minute via midfielder, Andreina Hernandez. The goal came off a corner kick sent in by midfielder, Abigail Peppin. It was Hernandez’s fourth goal of the season making her SXU’s top scorer.
SXU could count themselves unlucky as they had two chances to score in overtime. Brooke Mejdrich had two shots hit the crossbar. One in regular overtime and one in double overtime. Mejdrich seems to have gotten into a rhythm and is quickly becoming a key player on the team.
Ashley Smialek started her second consecutive game and added another four saves to her record giving her a total of eight saves for the week only allowing one goal.
It’s precisely why Smialek was honored by the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) this past week. Smialek was named CCAC’s Defensive Player of the Week for her performances against the aforementioned Calumet St Joseph and Robert Morris University.
She recorded her first shutout against Calumet and held RMU to one goal. She allowed one goal in 200 minutes of play and helped Saint Xavier go unbeaten during the week.
This marks the second time this season that an SXU player receives such honors. She joins fellow teammate and keeper, Carly Bledsoe, as recipients of CCAC’s Defensive Player of the Week.
Vucinic and the men’s team
Ernesto Hernandez
Sports Columnist