Cukaj, Jende Net Two Goals Each in 6-1 win over Green Bay

MILWAUKEE – Redshirt junior Griffin Jende netted a brace in his collegiate start as the Marquette University men's soccer team picked up an explosive 6-1 victory over Green Bay on Tuesday evening at Valley Fields.

The fourth-year player out of Waukesha, Wisconsin had played 79 career minutes at MU before notching 56 tonight. Head coach Louis Bennett felt like he provided exactly the spark the team needed.

"Griffin is one of those guys who we love having at Marquette," Bennett said. "For four years he's worked his tail off and never complained. He had been playing well in practice and we wanted to give a different look to create some scoring chances."

Both of Jende's goals came in the first half, in the 6th and 19th minutes. Redshirt sophomore Manuel Cukaj netted his first goal of the game in the 16^th minute after a shot by Luka Prpa found its way to him in the box and he put the rebound home.

The man of the match, Griffin Jende (@griffony31). The redshirt junior started his first-ever collegiate game tonight and netted a brace.

He talks about what went well for his team against Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/8QjfPiD8Oh
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) October 9, 2019

"This was just really exciting for me and the team," Jende said. "I couldn't have asked for more. With all that we've been through this week, it was nice to see us put it all together and get some goals on the board."

The Golden Eagles held a 12-2 advantage in shots by halftime and went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Cukaj completed a brace of his own after heading in a free kick off the foot of Luka Prpa. Cukaj's third goal of the year gave Marquette it's largest lead of 2019 at four goals.

In the 54^th minute, senior Patrick Seagrist tallied his first goal of the season after he headed in a corner kick from Josh Coan. The Streamwood, Illinois native also tallied an assist on the evening, his team-high sixth of the season.

"We had some good services today on set pieces," Bennett said. "They helped lead to three goals tonight and we could have had two or three more if the shots had gone in."

Green Bay scored its lone goal in the 75^th minute off a penalty kick from Andre Baires. MU put one last tally on the board in the 90^th minute when freshman Christian Marquez collected a through ball from Connor Alba and slid it into the left corner of the net.

With the win, the Golden Eagles move to 5-5-1 with six games remaining in their 2019 regular season.

*Note of the Night:
Tonight was Marquette's first time scoring six goals in a game since Sept. 3, 1994, when the Golden Eagles took a 6-0 win over Valparaiso.

UP NEXT:
Coach Bennett and company will hit the road this weekend for a BIG EAST clash on Saturday night with the Providence Friars in Rhode Island. First touch is set for 6 p.m. Central time and live streaming will be available courtesy of the BIG EAST Digital Network.

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).

Check out the 🎥 highlights from last night's 6-1 Golden Eagles victory at Valley Fields!#WeAreMarquette | #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/HcIwu1fz04
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) October 9, 2019