Marquette University Athletics
Men's Soccer Releases 2008 Schedule
6/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
June 11, 2008
MILWAUKEE - Marquette University head men's soccer coach Louis Bennett announced today the Golden Eagles' schedule for the upcoming 2008 fall season. MU's regular season schedule includes 10 home contests and 11 games versus fellow BIG EAST Conference teams.
"When you look at this schedule, it's an exciting schedule," said Bennett. "What I'm really excited about is our number of home games. It gives a chance for our supporters to get to know our team, to get to see our team. Our strength of schedule is very good with our BIG EAST opponents, so I'm really happy. It's a schedule that's enticing and it's going to be challenging."
Bennett's squad will open the 2008 regular season Sept. 1 when the Golden Eagles play host to Bryant University at Valley Fields in Milwaukee. The team will then host the Marquette Invitational, Sept. 5-7, matching the Golden Eagles and BIG EAST rival DePaul against Columbia and Penn of the Ivy League.
Marquette will travel to Notre Dame on Sept. 11 to open the conference portion of its schedule. The Golden Eagles will play a total of six BIG EAST games on the road, while five league games are scheduled at Valley Fields. The BIG EAST home opener is set for Sept. 19 against Syracuse.
"I think any time we play any BIG EAST game, it's going to be a priority and it's going to be a big game," Bennett said. "There are no easy games in the BIG EAST, and in [NCAA] Division I one there's such parity. I don't believe there's such a thing as an easy game."
Six teams on this year's slate played in the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship, including home match-ups against UIC, Connecticut and Providence and the road contest at Notre Dame, in addition to Louisville and West Virginia. Notre Dame, Connecticut and UIC each advanced to the Elite 8.
The Golden Eagles will again play in-state rivals Wisconsin and UW-Milwaukee. Wisconsin comes to Valley Fields on Oct. 15, while the Panthers will host this year's Milwaukee Cup on Oct. 22.
"When we talk about in-state rivalries - both teams will attract crowds," Bennett said. "It's good for the fans and for the community."
Marquette alumni will return to Valley Fields for the annual Alumni Match slated for Sept. 13. Fans are also welcome to attend a series of exhibition games in August, beginning with Fan Fest, which includes the 2008 Blue vs. Gold game, on Aug. 16.
