The Cardinals celebrate Tate Schmitt's goal in Friday's draw with Xavier.
Cardinals Draw with Xavier in Spring Friendly
April 08, 2017 | Men's Soccer
Schmitt scores equalizer in 88th minute for Louisville in final home match of the spring
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A late equalizer by Tate Schmitt overcame what was otherwise a frustrating night as the Louisville men's soccer team drew 1-1 to Xavier in Friday night's spring exhibition match at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium.
Xavier was content on defending and kept Louisville frustrated trying to find space to operate in their final third. The Cardinals did have chances to open the scoring, but the Musketeers held firm and did not concede any easy opportunities.
"Xavier's game plan is to prevent you from playing," Louisville head coach Ken Lolla said. "It's not like they're trying to create the game. Because of that, it was important that we had patience. They get a lot of numbers behind the ball and play with five in the back. The four in the midfield really work hard, but we knew there would be spaces wide and those spaces came out of us moving the ball."
The Cardinals best chance of the first half came in the 24th minute. Mohamed Thiaw cradled in the ball and ran at the Musketeer defense. The Senegal native dribbled past a defender and put a shot on goal, but went straight to Zachary Nelson.
Louisville's continued pressure almost broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. A dangerous cross sent in by Tim Kubel was headed away by a Xavier defender. However, the ball went towards goal and went just wide of the right post. Joey Kunkel had a chance on the subsequent corner, but Xavier safely cleared away.
Matt Vasquenza gave Xavier the lead in the 49th minute. He and Danny Reynolds ran down a cross in the box. Jockeying for position, Vasquenza got to the ball first and fired from close range. Gelnovatch made the initial save but failed to handle as the ball crept just under and rolled into the goal.
"It was miscommunication between Jake and Danny that led to the goal," Lolla said. "It is a bit unfortunate because in the end Xavier really didn't have too many opportunities tonight."
Schmitt had a chance to equalize in the 85th minute. The Cards played the ball to the flank, and Cochran swung in a ball to the center of the box. Schmitt headed it cleanly but hit a defender for a corner.
Schmitt made the most of his second chance equalizing in the 88th minute. A cross sent in by Reynolds connected with Schmitt, whose header beat Nelson to the top right corner.
Louisville will close out the spring traveling to Lindsey Wilson College on April 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., ET.Â
Xavier was content on defending and kept Louisville frustrated trying to find space to operate in their final third. The Cardinals did have chances to open the scoring, but the Musketeers held firm and did not concede any easy opportunities.
"Xavier's game plan is to prevent you from playing," Louisville head coach Ken Lolla said. "It's not like they're trying to create the game. Because of that, it was important that we had patience. They get a lot of numbers behind the ball and play with five in the back. The four in the midfield really work hard, but we knew there would be spaces wide and those spaces came out of us moving the ball."
The Cardinals best chance of the first half came in the 24th minute. Mohamed Thiaw cradled in the ball and ran at the Musketeer defense. The Senegal native dribbled past a defender and put a shot on goal, but went straight to Zachary Nelson.
Louisville's continued pressure almost broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. A dangerous cross sent in by Tim Kubel was headed away by a Xavier defender. However, the ball went towards goal and went just wide of the right post. Joey Kunkel had a chance on the subsequent corner, but Xavier safely cleared away.
Matt Vasquenza gave Xavier the lead in the 49th minute. He and Danny Reynolds ran down a cross in the box. Jockeying for position, Vasquenza got to the ball first and fired from close range. Gelnovatch made the initial save but failed to handle as the ball crept just under and rolled into the goal.
"It was miscommunication between Jake and Danny that led to the goal," Lolla said. "It is a bit unfortunate because in the end Xavier really didn't have too many opportunities tonight."
Schmitt had a chance to equalize in the 85th minute. The Cards played the ball to the flank, and Cochran swung in a ball to the center of the box. Schmitt headed it cleanly but hit a defender for a corner.
Schmitt made the most of his second chance equalizing in the 88th minute. A cross sent in by Reynolds connected with Schmitt, whose header beat Nelson to the top right corner.
Louisville will close out the spring traveling to Lindsey Wilson College on April 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., ET.Â
Players Mentioned
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