Sept. 16, 2011

Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. - Andy Kaplan scored the equalizer and Gino Depaoli connected on a golden goal in the first overtime period for the Xavier men's soccer team who rallied from an early deficit to beat No. 13 Northern Illinois, 2-1, in the opening game of the Lakeside Classic Friday night.

It was the first-career Xavier goal for both sophomores and gives the Musketeers a perfect 4-0-0 record heading into Sunday's game against host Northwestern. The Huskies (5-1-0) suffered their first setback of the season.

Kaplan's goal in the 47th minute and Depaoli's game-winning goal in the 96th minute erased a mistake in the third minute of the game that allowed the Huskies to take the early advantage.

Xavier was unable to clear a ball allowing senior Francis Otira to lead a through pass to sophomore Gael Rivera, who finished it from 10 yards out. It is the only goal that the Musketeers have allowed in 365 minutes of play this season.

The Musketeers struck back with the equalizer just moments into the second half. Redshirt freshman Will Walker played a ball that found Kaplan alone with the Huskies' keeper. The Columbus, Ind. native beat him from 10 yards out to tie the game and reenergize the Musketeers.

Xavier's game winner was set up by junior Luke Spencer and sophomore Matt Walker. Walker made the final crossing pass to Depaoli, who finished it back post for the win.

Junior Justin Marshall (4-0-0) earned the win for the Musketeers. He made two saves in 95 minutes of work. Junior Jordan Godsey (5-1-0) took his first loss of the year and made one save.

Northern Illinois controlled the shot advantage 14-6 and corner kick battle 5-1. Six Huskies and the Musketeers' Spencer finished with two shots.

Up next for the Musketeers will be the Northwestern Wildcats at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Fleming served three years as the associate head coach for NU and oversaw teams that reached three NCAA Tournaments, amassed a 38-15-10 (.683) record, and were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country.