The Milwaukee Cup Returns to Valley Fields on Wednesday

MILWAUKEE -- Throw the records out the window. When the Golden Eagles and Panthers meet, it's always for bragging rights. On Wednesday, the two sides will clash for the 46th edition of the storied Milwaukee Cup series that dates all the way back to 1973.

The Golden Eagles climbed back into the win column with a vengeance after a 3-0 home victory over No. 13 Villanova on Saturday. Connor Alba had his best collegiate game, according to head coach Louis Bennett, after a three-point effort, including the game-winning goal in the 28th minute. He was named to the league's weekly honor roll for his efforts, while Patrick Seagrist claimed league's Defensive Player of the Week award after scoring a key insurance goal in the 77th minute and guiding the back line to their second shutout of the season in front of Luis Barraza's five saves.

The Panthers are coming off a 1-1 draw to Cleveland State at home last time out. Milwaukee enters Wednesday with a record of 3-2-1 overall (0-0-1 Horizon).

Following a BIG EAST road tilt at Seton Hall on Saturday, Marquette returns home for another in-state rivalry game against Wisconsin on Wednesday, Sept. 26 (7:05 p.m.).

STUDENT GIVEAWAY: The first 250 students through the gates will receive a free Marquette Soccer buff! Gates open at 6 p.m.

WHERE TO WATCH/FOLLOW THE ACTION

STREAM: GoMarquette.com/Watch
LIVE STATS: GoMarquette.com/sidearmstats/msoc/
TICKETS: GoMarquette.com/tickets or 414-288-GOMU (Next home match: Wisconsin - Sept. 26)

OPPONENT FORM

MILWAUKEE (10-5-4, 6-3-0 HORIZON in 2017)
Each of the Panthers' first five matches this season ended in shutouts with them being on the right side in three of those. On Saturday, they settled for a 1-1 draw at home to Cleveland State in the Horizon League opener. Jake Kelderman notched his first of the year in the 47th minute before CSU scored the equalizer in the 76th. On the year, Milwaukee is outscoring its opponents, 8-4, but opponents have had the edge in shots, 73-64. Evan Conway has two goals, while Vuk Latinovich leads the way with five points on a goal and three assists. In net, Freddy Lorenzen has been superb with a 0.64 goals against average and an .871 save percentage (27 saves) in six starts.
#MARQUETTESOCCER PROJECTED STARTING XI
(4-4-2): Louis Barraza, Grant Owens, Oliver Posarelli, Josh Hancock, Patrick Seagrist, Ruben Sanchez, Zak Wegner, Luka Prpa, Connor Alba, Diego Núñez, Lukas Sunesson
* Based on previous game

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

46th Milwaukee Cup: The Golden Eagles and Panthers have met in every season dating back to their first meeting in 1973. Milwaukee holds the all-time edge with a 29-11-5 record and reclaimed the cup last year for the first time since 2013. Marquette hopes to return the favor on its home turf, where it is unbeaten in five of their last six meetings (3-1-2) against UWM.

Last year, UWM claimed a 2-0 victory at Engelmann Stadium with goals by Reid Stevenson (18') and Nick Moon (39'). Marquette was unable to break through despite an 11-9 advantage in shots and 10-1 edge in corners. Last time both teams met at Valley Fields was in 2016 when the Golden Eagles raced out to 3-0 lead (16', 27', 29') only to see the Panthers respond with three unanswered goals (34', 61', 86') to net a 3-3 draw.

Fans Love the Milwaukee Cup: Valley Fields has traditionally drawn large crowds for this derby match-up as evidenced by the top-three attendance totals all-time involving the event. The record for attendance at Valley Fields was the 2010 edition of the Milwaukee Cup, which drew 2,089 spectators.

1. 2,089 (2010) 2. 1,954 (2014) 3. 1,892 (2012) 4. 1,275 (2016) 5. 1,202 (2001)

National Stats Leaders: Luis Barraza's 0.49 goals against average currently ranks 12th in the nation entering Wednesday's matchup against Milwaukee, while his save percentage (.889) is sixth.

Marquette Soccer Legend Steve Adlard Passes Away: Marquette's winningest coach in program history, Steve Adlard, passed away in his sleep Tuesday morning, succumbing to his long battle with cancer. He guided the Golden Eagles to 140 victories in 14 seasons (1992-2005) and a pair of Conference USA regular season titles, including the 1997 team that earned the first NCAA tournament berth in program history. He was named the Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year in 1993.

Steve was instrumental in making Valley Fields what it is today and served as a key component in establishing the Marquette women's soccer program. He even recruited the first class to take the field in 1993. Steve was more than just a coach on the field. He was a mentor to many individuals and a gifted teacher of this beautiful game. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Fresh New Faces: Head coach Louis Bennett employed yet another lineup (and formation) on Saturday, which has been the case in each of the team's first six contests. A pair of seniors received their first starts of the season as Diego Núñez started up top with freshman Lukas Sunesson and the versatile Grant Owens made his first start of the season at right back. Three freshmen have started every match for Marquette this season, including true freshmen Lukas Sunesson and Josh Hancock, as well as redshirt freshman Zak Wegner.

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.