The Cougars continue their excellent season as they go 2-1-1 during a four game stretch to improve their season record to 7-3-1. SXU website
Game 1: (D) SXU:1 vs. Huntington University: 1
The Cougars looked to extend their win streak to four games after sweeping their three game homestand. SXU’s defense continued to dominate as they were able to keep Huntington University Foresters off the scoreboard through the first half. Unfortunately the Foresters were able to quiet the SXU offense as both teams went scoreless through the first half.
The strong defensive performance continued into the second half as both teams continued to struggle to put the ball into the net. As the game neared its end the Cougars scored the first goal of the game in minute 85 thanks to senior Pedro Guzman his second goal of the season and the assist from Yael Diaz his second.
As the game approached the final minute it seemed like the Cougars were going to walk away with a win to extend their win streak to 4 games. However in the final 7 seconds of the game the Foresters connected with the equalizer to stun SXU and force a 1-1 tie.
Game 2: (L) SXU: 1 vs. Viterbro University (Wis.): 2
On Wednesday Sept. 24, the Saint Xavier University Cougars hosted Viterbro University as Deaton Field to begin conference play this season.
The Cougars drew first blood in minute 11, when redshirt senior forward Jaedan Aguilera curled a stunning free kick from about 52 yards out past the Viterbo keeper. That goal was Aguilera’s fifth goal of the season, putting SXU up early. However, things would turn sideways when SXU’s goalkeeper Daniel Martinez received a red card in minute 14 that took him out of the game. Despite having a back goalkeeper the Cougars were able to keep VU off the scoreboard through the first half.
Viterbro University found the equalizer in minute 71 and in minute 72 they would take a 2-1 lead after another goal for Viterbro University. Which would be all as the Cougars fell 2-1 in their first match against a CCAC opponent this season.
Game 3: (W) SXU:4 vs. Governors State University:2
On Saturday Sept. 27, at Dowling Park in Hammond, Ind., Saint Xavier University’s men’s soccer team claimed a 4–2 CCAC victory over Governors State University, improving their record to 6-3-1 (1-1 in conference play).
Saint Xavier struck early, with Francisco Espinoza getting the opener just over two minutes into the match off a Diego Garcia assist. A few minutes later, Jaedan Aguilera extended the lead with a goal created by Mark Vitaliy Hul, putting the Cougars up 2–0. Governors State responded in the 30th minute which cut the deficit to 1.
In the second half GSU evened the score in minute 62. But SXU retook the lead when Diego Garica connected with the net to put the Cougars on top in minute 68 with an assist from Balys Zamalaitis. Saul Camacho would add one more goal in the 80th minute to seal the 4-2 victory for the Cougars.
Game 4: (W) SXU:1 vs. Trinity Christian College:0
On Tuesday Sept. 30, SXU pulled off a late 1-0 road victory over Trinity Christian College This result improved SXU’s record to 7-3-1, and their conference mark to 2-1-0.
Despite being outshot by Trinity College (14 to SXU’s 11) and conceding eight shots on goal to SXU’s four, the Cougars withstood the offensive pressure thanks in part to yet another strong defensive performance.
The decisive moment came at the 85 minute mark when Mark Vitaliy Hul scored the game’s lone goal, assisted by Jaedan Aguilera. Hul’s strike marked his 4th goal of the season. From that point, the Cougars held firm, keeping Trinity College at bay for the final minutes and closing out the shutout.
As the season approaches its final stretch the Cougars host Judson University at home on Saturday Oct. 4, before heading to Iowa to face Saint Ambrose University on Oct. 8. With just seven games left the Cougars currently stand in 4th place overall in the CCAC as they hope to make a push for the top spot as the season begins its final month of the regular season. Will the Cougars stand on top when the season ends?