EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men's soccer team looks to win their third consecutive Mayor's Cup on Saturday, making the trip across town for a clash with USI. Kick-off is set for 7 PM.
Last Time Out
Evansville freshman Devin Shepherd (Denver, Colo./Arapahoe) netted his first career brace on Wednesday night, scoring in the 10
th and 75
th minutes to help the Aces earn a 3-3 draw against Xavier at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
Xavier jumped out to an early lead, as an Evansville foul in the box in the fourth minute led to a penalty kick that was buried by Cooper Forcellini. However, the Aces were quick to respond in the 10
th minute, when a cross from Will Bencic (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East) deflected off a Musketeers defender and found Shepherd, who put a shot in the back of the net to equalize.
The score remained knotted at one heading into the halftime break, but the Musketeers attack was quick to strike in the opening minutes of the second half, pulling ahead in the 48th minute when Porcellini scored his second goal of the night.
The scoring subdued for the next 20-plus minutes of action, with both sides putting up two shots to no avail. However, the Aces struck in the 70
th minute, when Shepherd found fellow freshman Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain/IES Joan Miro) on a through ball. Escudero put his first shot off the post, but was there for a second chance opportunity on an open net to score his first career goal and even things at two.
Once again, Xavier found a way to regain the lead, as George Waites scored just over a minute later to put the Musketeers ahead 3-2.
With his team again looking for the equalizer, Shepherd rose to the occasion in the 75
th minute. Álvaro Timón (Toldeo, Spain/Valencia International University) found Shepherd at the top right side of the box, who unleashed a strike over the outstretched arms of the Xavier keeper and into the back the of net for his second goal of the net, tying the score at three. The brace was the first by an Evansville freshman since MVC Freshman of the Year Nacho Diaz Barragan in 2022.
Mroz helped UE hold on for the draw, coming up with a clutch save in the 89
th minute on a Xavier scoring chance.
Series History
Saturday will be the fourth meeting between the cross-town rivals. Evansville holds the edge in the series with a 2-0-1 record, including victories in the last two meetings.
Scouting USI
USI brings a 1-3 record into Saturday's match, looking to snap a two-match losing streak. The last time out for the Screaming Eagles came last Saturday, a 3-2 loss to IU Indianapolis.
Follow Along
Saturday's match will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.
