EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team will kick-off the 2023 regular-season on Thursday night, as the Purple Aces host the Bellarmine Knights. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. CT from Arad McCutchan Stadium.
 

Evansville vs. Bellarmine | Thursday, August 23 | 7 PM CT
Site | Location	Arad McCutchan Stadium | Evansville, Ind.
Links	7 PM CT:  Live Stats | TV:  NONE  |  Radio:  NONE
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Evansville returns 25 players from last season's squad, led by 2022 Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, Nacho Diaz Barragan (Almeria, Spain/Almeria). Barragan was the Aces lone representative on the MVC Preseason Team as voted on by league coaches. Evansville's returners include seven consistent starters from the 2022 season along with almost all of the teams' goal scoring. Along with returning over half of its roster, the Aces have added a deep 2023 class of 15 players with 12 true freshman and three sophomore transfers.

Bellarmine is a familiar opening opponent for UE, as the two teams met to open the 2022 season as well. In their meeting a year ago, the game ended in a draw after a penalty kick from the Knights tied the game in the final 10 minutes. Evansville had the upper hand for most of the 2022 game and will look to seal the deal in the 2023 opener.  

Following last year's match, Bellarmine went 6-4-8 for its first winning season at the NCAA Division I level after moving to the highest level in 2020. The Knights made it all the way to the ASUN Tournament semifinals in 2022 along with four players recognized with postseason honors. Bellarmine played two exhibition contests against Oakland City and Xavier to warm up for the 2023 season. 

Thursday night's opener will not have video coverage.  Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.