Men's soccer blocks IU

On Sunday, August 21 the

Xavier men's soccer team defeated

No. 17 Indiana 1-0. This is the

second consecutive preseason in

which the Musketeers have defeated

the Hoosiers.

Xavier defeated Indiana with

the only goal of the game in the

second half by freshman Darin

Kruzich. Kruzich scored the goal

in the 80th minute of the game.

Xavier's goalkeeper sophomore

Justin Marshall had five

saves. In 180 minutes of preseason

play, Marshall has had

seven saves and has allowed only

one goal to be scored against

him.

The Musketeers tied with No.

11 Notre Dame in their first preseason

game, bringing their current

record to 1-0-1.

"Obviously we are pleased

with the start to our season. Last

week was a demanding week with

games against two Top 20 teams

with 35 straight NCAA tournament

appearances between them,"

head coach Andy Fleming said.

"We also sandwiched in two-a-days

between the games and asked a lot

from the guys. Because the players

did a great job of physically preparing

themselves over the summer,

and retained much of the system

we put into place last spring,

we were able to hit the ground

running."

After a record breaking season

for the Xavier men's soccer team,

they were picked preseason to finish

third in the Atlantic 10 for the

2011 season.

The 2010 season was the first

under the new coaching staff of

Fleming and assistant coaches Kris

Bertsch, Alex Morawiecki, and

Jamie Starr. Along with the new staff came the first A-10 championship title and NCAA tournament debut for the Musketeers.

"In both games we were very organized defensively, while we played with a little more grit against Indiana. Compared to last year, we are playing better soccer with more possession and rhythm to our game," Fleming said. "Although we did give away a last minute goal and missed out on three points, I think you want to learn lessons in pre season and not beating Notre Dame will help us close out games later on down the road."

The beginning of the 2010 season for the Musketeers proved to be difficult as it was plagued with injury, but they finished the season with one of the best turnarounds in the NCAA. Xavier can expect great things from the men's soccer team this season.

The Musketeers will take on Ohio Wesleyan at home for their final exhibition game on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.