EVANSVILLE – After one of the best single-season improvements in University of Evansville men's soccer history, head coach Marshall Ray has put together a challenging spring slate for his Purple Aces as preparations are already under way for the fall.
 
"I think this is a competitive schedule for us," Ray said. "We'll have three teams that played in the NCAA tournament. The spring is never about winning or losing. It's about developing and growing as a player, but I think we're in a situation with our group where we'll be able to compete in those games. There will be some big events in our stadium this spring, and I'm looking forward to getting started."
 
The spring slate of games will begin on Feb. 25 as UE will take on Valparaiso and Indiana. The two teams combined for 22 wins last fall, with the Hoosiers advancing to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
After a month's break that will see the Aces play host to a professional game between Indy Eleven and Louisville City on March 18, UE will return to action at McCutchan Stadium for showdowns with Bellarmine and defending Missouri Valley Conference champion SIUE at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
 
Following a game at Lipscomb on April 8, the Aces will take on another NCAA participant in Kentucky at 2 p.m. on April 15 at McCutchan Stadium.
 
The spring will conclude on April 19 with Southern Indiana in the annual Mayor's Cup match. The two schools are partnering with YMCA and the EVSC for the match. Tickets for the game will cost $5 and all proceeds will be going to the YMCA of Evansville to help fund after-school soccer programs in Evansville.
 
Admission for all other UE matches will be free, and the March 18 friendly between Indy and Louisville will cost $5.


UE MEN'S SOCCER SPRING SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Feb. 25	vs. Valparaiso	Bloomington, Ind.	2:30 p.m.
Feb. 25	at Indiana	Bloomington, Ind.	4 p.m.
March 25	Bellarmine	Arad McCutchan Stadium	11 a.m.
March 25	SIUE	Arad McCutchan Stadium	3 p.m.
April 8	at Lipscomb	Nashville, Tenn.	5 p.m.
April 15	Kentucky	Arad McCutchan Stadium	2 p.m.
April 19	Southern Indiana	Arad McCutchan Stadium	6 p.m.

 
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