Men's Soccer Opens 2018 Season Sunday vs. Valpo

MILWAUKEE – Marquette begins its 55th season in program history Sunday, Aug. 26 at Valley Fields against non-conference foe Valparaiso at 4:05 p.m. Central time.

The Golden Eagles return 15 letter winners, including nine starters, to a team that finished 3-11-2 (3-5-1 BIG EAST) in 2017 with five of those losses coming by a single goal including two to ranked opponents. Leading the way in head coach Louis Bennett's 13th season at the helm are co-captains Martin Alba and preseason All-BIG EAST honoree Luka Prpa, who was named the Premier Development League's Young Player of the Year after a superb summer with Chicago FC United.

Defensively, senior goalkeeper Luis Barraza is poised for a breakout season as he returns an experienced backline that includes Patrick Seagrist, Ruben Sanchez, Steffen Böhm and reigning All-BIG EAST Freshman Team honoree, Manuel Cukaj.

Bennett and his staff added 13 newcomers, providing quality and depth to the roster, as well as experience in the form of junior transfers Josh Coan (Pittsburgh), Oliver Posarelli (Montana St.) and Leo Villa (UW-Parkside). Sunday's opener at Valley Fields kicks off a 10-game home schedule for the Golden Eagles, which marks the busiest season at Valley Fields since 2014.

WHERE TO WATCH/FOLLOW THE ACTION

STREAM: GoMarquette.com/watch
LIVE STATS: GoMarquette.com/sidearmstats/msoc/
TICKETS: GoMarquette.com/tickets

OPPONENT FORM

VALPARAISO (8-9-1, 3-5-0 MVC in 2017)
The Crusaders visit Valley Fields in their second game of the weekend after opening the regular season against IUPUI at home on Friday night. Long time Horizon League member enters their second season in the Missouri Valley Conference where they were picked to finish fifth in this year's preseason coaches' poll.

The Crusaders return the services of Rafael Mentzingen and Adan Garcia, who each made the All-MVC Preseason team after scoring nine goals apiece and earning All-Region honors in 2017.

WHAT THE TEAM IS SAYING

Bennett on the importance of getting off to a strong start: "It's imperative to get off to a strong start. The first couple of games, we want to make sure we get the best possible result. Even though we have a lot of returners, we do bring in some new guys, including a couple center backs, and it's going to be about finalizing those things."

Bennett on fans can expect from the 2018 squad: "Two things we place of high importance is heart and commitment. I'm not going to talk about our talent. I'm not going to talk about our special qualities. Every time we go out there, you're going to see a spirited group of guys with heart and commitment. Everything else will fall into place."

Redshirt senior Martin Alba on thoughts heading into his final season at Marquette: "I've had a rough couple seasons with injuries, so this year, I just want to go out and enjoy it with this great group of guys. For me, it's just going out and competing and making the most of it. We're building off a great spring. Our goal for Sunday is go out and win the first game."

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• All-Time Series: Marquette and Valparaiso meet for the sixth time, but the first since 2001, in a series that dates back to 1992. The Golden Eagles have won each of the previous four meetings, including the 2001 matchup, and have outscored the Crusaders, 25-1, all-time. MU has never surredered a goal to Valpo at home, outscoring them 16-0 in three contests, including the most recent meeting in 2001, 4-0.
• Season Openers: The Golden Eagles are 4-8 in season lid-lifters under head coach Louis Bennett and open the year at home for just the second time in the past six seasons. They are seeking their first season-opening victory since a 3-2 home win over UW-Milwaukee in 2012.
• Road Warriors: Six of Valpo's eight wins in 2017 came on the road. It marked the second consecutive season of six road victories for the Crusaders.
• Preseason Poll: Marquette was picked sixth in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll and Luka Prpa earned his second-straight preseason All-BIG EAST honor. Georgetown was picked to win it with seven-of-10 first-place votes. Butler, which earned the remaining three first-place votes, was picked second.
• Marquette United: Head coach Louis Bennett and his staff continue to attract talent from all over the world as evidenced by the host of international representation on the roster. This year's roster features players from England, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden as well as eight different states.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).