PULASKI, Tenn. – Facing one of the Southern States Athletic Conference's top teams, the UT Southern men's soccer team battled until the final whistle but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Xavier University (La.) Saturday evening at Grissom Pitch.
The loss moves UT Southern to 8-5-1 overall and 4-5 in conference play, while the Gold Rush improve to 8-4-2 overall and 6-2-2 in the SSAC.
Xavier wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, finding the back of the net just 1:41 into the match for an early 1-0 lead. The Firehawks responded in the 18th minute when Filippo Fregoli delivered a pass to Lorick Gustave, who finished his fourth goal of the season to even the score at 1-1.
The Gold Rush regained the advantage less than five minutes later and carried a 2-1 lead into halftime despite both teams recording six shots in the opening period.
UT Southern came out aggressively in the second half, creating several opportunities through Daquan Duhaney, David Danquah, Devonte Allen, and Felix Hammel. However, Xavier extended its lead to 3-1 in the 58th minute.
The Firehawks answered in the 78th minute after earning a penalty kick. Fregoli calmly converted from the spot for his fourth goal of the season, pulling UT Southern within one at 3-2.
UT Southern continued to press for an equalizer over the final minutes despite being reduced in numbers following a pair of red cards. The Firehawks earned a late corner kick and pushed bodies forward but were unable to find the tying goal before the final whistle.
Despite the loss, the Firehawks finished with advantages in shots (15-11), shots on goal (6-5), and corner kicks (3-2). Danquah led UT Southern with four shots, while Duhaney added three. Fregoli contributed a goal and an assist, while Gustave accounted for the Firehawks' other tally.
By the Numbers
SSAC Standings Impact
The victory allowed Xavier to strengthen its hold on third place in the conference standings. UT Southern remains in seventh place as the race for SSAC Tournament positioning continues heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Up Next
UT Southern closes the regular season next week with a critical road trip, traveling to Dalton State on Friday before facing #4 Life University on Sunday.
a {
text-decoration: none;
color: #464feb;
}
tr th, tr td {
border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;
}
tr th {
background-color: #f5f5f5;
}
FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS
Tap in with everything happening around UT Southern Athletics and keep up with the Firehawks all season long.
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/utsathletics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utsouthernathletics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTSouthernFirehawks
Scores, highlights, announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and more — stay connected and rep the Firehawks everywhere you go. Go Firehawks!
