Xavier Overcomes Rainy Conditions To Beat Lipscomb, 1-0

September 4, 2011
Spencer tallied the Musketeers' goal to lead Xavier to a 2-0-0 to start the season.
 
Spencer tallied the Musketeers' goal to lead Xavier to a 2-0-0 to start the season.
 
 

Box Score

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Rain showers from Tropical Storm Lee soaked Cofers Chapel from start to finish of Sunday's game, but couldn't stop the Xavier men's soccer team from earning a 1-0 victory over Lipscomb for its first road win of the year.

Junior forward Luke Spencer scored in the 56th minute to improve the Musketeers' record to 2-0-0 to begin the season. It's the first time since 2007 that the Musketeers have started a year with back-to-back wins. The loss is the fourth in as many games for the Bisons this year.

Spencer blasted a shot from the inside the left side of the 18-yard box that deflected off a Lipscomb defender for his first goal of the season, and ninth of his career. The preseason all-conference selection led Xavier last year in goals and points despite missing eight games due to a foot injury. The goal goes along with his assist in XU's 1-0 win over Marshall earlier in the week.

Xavier goalkeeper, sophomore Justin Marshall, was never seriously challenged in net for the Musketeers and improved to 2-0-0 on the year. Marshall was not required to make any saves as he posted his 12th career shutout, one shy of tying Tom Kuechly for the school record.

Lipscomb's Brent McGee (0-4-0) was the goalkeeper of record for Lipscomb. He made five saves in 90 minutes of play.

Sunday's victory improved Xavier's all-time mark against Lipscomb to 2-0-0. It was the second straight season that the Musketeers have defeated the Bisons by 1-0 score.

The Musketeers held the advantage in all of the offensive categories for the second straight game. Xavier attempted 10 shots, six of which were on goal. The Bisons managed seven shots, none of which were on target. Xavier won the corner kick battle, 8-2, but was whistled for eight fouls to Lipscomb's three.

Spencer was the game's leading shot taker with four shots, two on goal. Both of sophomore defender Nick Hagglund's headers off corner kicks were on target and freshman forward James Weber had one of his two shots hit post. Zander El-Hindi led Lipscomb with two shots.

Xavier has a nine-day layoff before hitting the pitch again, when it plays host to IPFW on Sept. 13. It will be the first meeting between the Musketeers and the Mastodons. IPFW is currently 2-2-0 and will face Kentucky and Western Michigan before facing XU.

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