Facing their second consecutive Big East Conference opponent, the men’s soccer team traveled to Cincinnati to face off against the Xavier University Musketeers. The Musketeers defeated the Bison in a highly contested match that ended in a 1-0 score. Surprisingly, though the matchup featured two of the highest scoring teams in the nation, the game ended with fewer than 14 total shots and only one corner kick between both teams. The Musketeers’ game-winning goal was scored just over seven minutes into the second half.

Xavier proved to be good competition for the Bison heading into Patriot League play this week, as they have been ranked as high as 10th nationally this year, most recently coming off a win over No. 2 Notre Dame. The Bison attempted seven shots during the game, with Musketeers’ goalie only making one save. Bison goalie Mike Lansing ’16, the reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week, made three saves.

The Orange and Blue did have a few strong scoring chances, including one in the closing minute when Justin Galiani ’17 just missed the post following a Zack Rockmore ’16 serve into the box. In the first half, Jesse Klug ’16 and Chris Thorsheim ’16 missed a chance to team for a goal when the Musketeer goalie intercepted Klug’s pass to Thorsheim.

“I think the Xavier game shows we can compete with top 25 opponents despite losing one to zero. We were even on shot attempts and even had two of the better chances of the game. Jesse and I almost linked up for a nice counter attack goal, but their keeper did well to come out on the through ball Jesse played me,” Thorsheim said.

The men’s soccer team will play their next game on Sept. 27 when they open Patriot League play at Boston University. The Bison defeated the Terriers in last year’s Patriot League Championship.