MSOC Notes - 10.17 Update
Non-Conference Conclusion
The final six non-league games were played last night as the next two weeks will be filled entirely with conference matches. BIG EAST men’s soccer teams combined for a 33-32-13 (.506) non-league mark, including a 5-5-3 record against ranked opponents. Conference play resumes on Saturday with the sixth round of league play, while Week 7 is set for Oct. 24. All 20 remaining BIG EAST matchups will stream live on the BIG EAST Digital Network.
Saturday Matchups on BEDN - Why We’re Watching …
BUTLER at VILLANOVA (1 p.m., BEDN): Despite technically being in last place in the standings, the Bulldogs and Wildcats are just one win/three points behind fourth place, meaning a win on Saturday can change the entire trajectory of the season. Villanova has suffered three consecutive single-goal setbacks, including two straight in double-overtime. The Wildcats have been on the cusp of those games and will need to turn the corner as they enter the homestretch of conference play.The Bulldogs fell at No. 2 Indiana on Tuesday night, but picked up their first BIG EAST win of the season on Saturday in their second-highest scoring output of the year. Three different Bulldogs scored at DePaul, including leading scorer Brandon Guhl.
[rv] GEORGETOWN at SETON HALL (2 p.m., BEDN): The Hoyas are all alone in third place in the standings and are unbeaten over their last four matches. GU has surrendered just one goal dating back to Sept. 29 and has outshot 11 consecutive opponents. A win on Saturday could launch the Hoyas up into second place, keeping in mind the top two teams at season’s end earn a bye directly into the BIG EAST Championship Semifinals. The Hall is coming off a win over NJIT on Tuesday, while each of their last four contests have been decided by one goal or less. Andreas Nota is one of three BIG EAST goalies to have logged over 1,000 minutes on the year and boast a sub-1.00 goals against average.
DEPAUL at ST. JOHN’S (7 p.m., BEDN): Both teams are in need of reversing skids and break free from ties in the standings. The Blue Demons are the lone BIG EAST team to defeat second-place Providence so far, but haven’t won since that decision despite tallying four goals in that span. After going on a four-game unbeaten streak, the Red Storm have lost three straight but remain tied for fourth place in the standings. Lenny Wilson has made 25 saves over five league appearances, second most in the BIG EAST.
XAVIER at MARQUETTE (8 p.m., BEDN): The Musketeers and Golden Eagles are tied with St. John’s in fourth place at seven points, with MU coming off a win over the Red Storm, while XU has dropped three straight. Marquette keeper Luis Barraza is one of the toughest to beat in the BIG EAST, averaging an .873 save percentage and 5.33 saves per game, both tops among conference goalies. Simen Hestnes will look to test Barraza, as the Musketeer leads the BIG EAST in points (17) while ranking second in goals (6).
PROVIDENCE at [8] CREIGHTON (8 p.m., BEDN): The top two teams do battle in Omaha on Saturday night as the Friars look to deal the Bluejays their first BIG EAST loss of the season and move into a first-place tie. A win for Creighton would clinch a postseason berth and do a lot towards claiming a first round bye in the BIG EAST Championship. Both squads suffered 1-0 non-conference road losses last night but are either flawless (Creighton, 5-0) or near flawness (PC, 4-1) in league action.
The Week Ahead
Saturday, Oct. 20
BUTLER at VILLANOVA, 1 p.m. (BEDN)
RV GEORGETOWN at SETON HALL, 2 p.m. (BEDN)
DEPAUL at ST. JOHN’S, 7 p.m. (BEDN)
XAVIER at MARQUETTE, 8 p.m. (BEDN)
PROVIDENCE at #8 CREIGHTON, 8 p.m. (BEDN)
All times listed are Eastern