METAIRIE, LA. (Oct. 17, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men's soccer lost a thrilling match against Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) 3-2. The Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) game drops the Saints to 3-9-1 overall and 2-5-1 in conference. XULA improves to 7-3-1 overall and 5-2 in conference.

Head Coach Shane Hurley commented, "The team played hard. We are scoring and creating chances, but we must improve on our capacity to defend."

History

The Saints are 0-2 against the Gold Nuggets. Last year, the Saints lost 2-0.

Game recap

XULA was aggressive at the start, taking two quick shots within 31 seconds into the game. At the 10th minute, the Gold Nuggets scored to lead 1-0. The Saints were able to get their first shot in at the 34th minute, but the ball went high to the right.

The Gold Nuggets found the net again at the 42nd minute to lead 2-0, and the team continued to dominate the rest of the half, not allowing a shot from the Saints as the half-time ended.

Andres Rocha took five minutes into the second half to add the Saints' first goal unassisted. And, Xavier answered quickly to score again three minutes later to go up 3-1.

Jose Camacho shot the Saints first shot in the second half, but his and Nikola Satchev's shots were both saved. Ten seconds later at the 76th minute, Nicolas Murgas scored unassisted. The Xavier offense was relentless in their attempts with four shots in a row. Murgas and Stan Driessen had the last opportunities for the Saints to tie, but time ran out to end the game with the Saints losing 3-2.

The Saints took seven shots, six on goal, while Xavier took 23 shots, nine on goal.

OLLU keeper Adrian Alvarez, playing his first complete game, saved six.

Andres Rocha and Nicolas Murgas led the Saints with two shots each.

What's next

The Saints will continue their road trip to play North American University in Sugar Land, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m.