MSOC Returns Home For Contests Against Providence, Xavier

Marquette Returns Home For Contests Against Providence, Xavier

The Marquette University men's soccer team (4-4, 1-1 BIG EAST) returns home to Valley Fields this week to open the month of October with a two-match homestand against BIG EAST opponents. The Golden Eagles will first take on No. 22/23 Providence on Saturday, Oct. 2, then play host to Xavier on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Both matches will begin at 7:05 p.m. (CST).

Providence comes to Milwaukee ranked No. 22 in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll. The Friars boast a 6-1-1 overall record (2-0-0 BIG EAST), and have won four-straight matches. Their lone loss on the season was to New Hampshire, who is currently undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the nation. The team has scored 23 goals while allowing just 10, and is led by sophomore forward Brendan McSorley, whose six goals lead the conference and rank 12th in the NCAA.

Xavier currently sits with a 6-3 overall mark, including an 0-2 record in BIG EAST play. After winning six of thier first seven matches, the Musketeers are still in search of their first conference win after dropping games to St. John's and Providence to open league play. Xavier's top scorer this season is junior striker Karsen Henderlong, who has found the back of the net five times this season while taking a team-leading 18 shots.

Caceres Earns More BIG EAST Weekly Honors

After scoring two goals in MU's win over Seton Hall, freshman midfielder Edrey Caceres was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week as well as Freshman of the Week. The Houston, Texas, native set the pace early during the Golden Eagles' first BIG EAST win, scoring in the 12th minute of action to create a 1-0 lead. He found the back of the net again in the 70th minute, his third goal of the season. This is the first offensive player of the week honor of his career, and his second freshman of the week honor.

Golden Eagles Pick Up First Win of BIG EAST Play Against Seton Hall

Marquette earned its first win of conference play in convincing fashion, posting a 3-1 victory at Seton Hall on Sept. 24. This was MU's first road win since 2011 over the Pirates, who won the BIG EAST Tournament last season.

Marquette got on top early and never looked back, first with a 12th minute goal from freshman Edrey Caceres. MU's All-American striker Lukas Sunesson got involved in the 34th minute with a goal of his own, set up by an assist from Zyan Andrade. A counter opportunity in the 70th minute led to Caceres' second goal of the match and Andrade's second assist as the Golden Eagles went up 3-0, a lead which held until just 10 second left in the contest. As a team, MU out-shot the Pirates 17-8.

MU to Honor Alumni on Saturday

Saturday's match at Valley Fields against Providence will also serve as Marquette's annual Alumni Appreciation Night, with all former MU players and their families encouraged to attend and participate. Prior to the match, a pick up soccer game and a tailgate will be held at Valley Fields, and at halftime there will be an on-field ceremony to recognize all alumni in attendance.