The SXU women’s soccer club is standing at .500 with a record of 1-2-1. But just four games into the season, SXU women’s soccer has already faced off against two ranked opponents.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, SXU played its home opener and first game of the season against #10 ranked Spring Arbor University. SXU was the first to strike, taking a 2 goal lead twice over the course of the match.
The home team Cougars kept their composure and created fewer fouls, but even being down 2-0, Spring Arbor fought back to secure a final score of 3-3.
Less than two weeks later, on September 1st, the SXU women’s soccer team faced another ranked opponent at home, the #13 ranked Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats.
SXU’s offense didn’t take many shots, but kept the game within winning distance until the final minutes of the match. The offense was less effective, and still didn’t take many shots. Indiana Wesleyan pulled away with a 3-1 victory.
SXU has shown they have an effective offense in these two matches, making four of eight shots on goal. But the defense failed to hold up. They allowed a combined 28 opponent shots on goal, six of which were converted into scores.
SXU has gone 1-1 against unranked opponents, also allowing more shots on goal than they took in both matchups. Showing similar issues and strengths to their games against ranked opponents.
As of early September, SXU women’s soccer has two more ranked opponents for the remainder of the 13 currently scheduled games.
While this team has failed to hold up towards the end of these difficult matches, their effectiveness with shots on goal is impressive, and goaltending has been above average. If this team is able to get a hold of their defensive strategy, they could be on an upward trajectory for the rest of the season.
SXU will look to improve its record this week when facing yet another ranked opponent on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Marian University (IN).
SXU Men’s Soccer Falls to #22 Ranked Rio Grande (OH)
SXU men’s soccer also faced a ranked opponent in their first game of the season, and had multiple things in common with the women’s club. The main ones are fewer shots on goal, fewer shots, and solid goaltending.
The University of Rio Grande Redstorm came to Deaton Field to face the SXU Cougars on Thursday, Aug. 21.
SXU battled hard throughout the entire match, allowing only one goal halfway through. Both teams committed double-digit penalties and played a tough game to the end.
The offense couldn’t get past Rio Grande. And despite the opportunity to score a game-winner off a penalty kick, SXU fell short with a final score of 1-0.
Following their season opener, SXU men’s soccer continued to be anything but consistent.
Saint Xavier battled for a 1-0 win over Cornerstone in Michigan. The Cougars put up a respectable performance, committing fewer fouls, taking more shots on goal, and more shots overall.
The third game of the season is where they really stood out. SXU established a dominant 4-0 victory over Indiana University Columbus. They were both aggressive and effective, making 4 goals on 16 attempts.
The big plays were spread out across multiple players, with four different athletes contributing a goal each.
Their most recent match took place in Campbellsville Kentucky, facing the Campbellsville Tigers. The performance was less than ideal, being on the losing end of a 2-0 shutout.
SXU men’s soccer will surely be looking to develop some consistency going forward. Across four games they’ve shown potential, but execution has kept them at a 2-2 record.
Currently, their next ranked matchup is against #24 Governors State University, on Saturday, Sept. 27. Their next game takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 9, hosting Hannibal-LaGrange University.