Pirates Get Back on Track Against Xavier

Published: Saturday, October 26, 2024

by Nick DiBlasi

CINCINNATI – The Seton Hall Pirates (10-4-1) bested the Xavier Musketeers (4-7-5) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday night. The Pirates, coming off a two-game skid, had no intention of disappointing in this BIG EAST matchup. In a game with many conference implications, Seton Hall was laser-focused on pulling the tide back in their favor heading into the end of the regular season.

The Hall was explosive early, with two offensive shots taken in the first five minutes of the matchup. Freshman standout Til Kauschke and junior Hugo Gerbore would stuff the stat sheet early for the visiting Pirates.

It was also evident that Seton Hall would play with a lot more aggression and physicality, as they picked up four fouls in the opening 15 minutes of action. They would end the matchup with 20 total fouls, more than double that of Xavier’s eight.

Despite Xavier’s offensive advantage in total shots, the Pirates capitalized on the game’s pivotal moment in the 38th minute. After a Xavier foul, Kauschke stepped up to take a penalty kick and found the back of the net, securing his third goal of the season and giving Seton Hall a crucial lead.

Kauschke’s goal was enough to tie him for second on the team in scoring, behind only fifth-year star Jared Smith. The freshman’s impressive season has already earned him Big East Freshman of the Week honors twice, on Sept. 2 and Sept. 16.

In the second half, Seton Hall continued their aggressive style, adding to Xavier’s difficulty in setting up plays. Xavier’s attempts on goal, including a blocked shot by Senanou in the 84th minute and a corner kick by Ernest Mensah Jr. in the closing minutes, were repeatedly thwarted by Seton Hall’s disciplined defense.

The Pirates maintained their defensive strength, with a standout performance by goalkeeper Matias Molina, who recorded three saves, including a critical save on Xavier defender Matthew Senanou’s header in the 88th minute. 

Seton Hall’s backline, anchored by Agustin Resch and Liam Guske, played a pivotal role in blocking several of Xavier’s attempts. Despite managing 10 shots, Xavier's offense could not penetrate Seton Hall’s defensive wall, allowing the Pirates to secure a 1-0 victory.

This victory brings the Pirates to a 3-3-1 record in conference play and 10-4-1 overall. They will look to build on this momentum with an upcoming non-conference match at Princeton on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The Pirates will close out the regular season with a home game against Villanova on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m.

Nick DiBlasi can be reached at nicholas.diblasi@student.shu.edu. 

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