Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves will hit the road for just the second time this season as they prepare to travel to Cincinnati, OH to take on the Xavier Musketeers.
Game Information
Bradley Braves 3-1-0 (0-0-0 MVC) vs. Xavier Musketeers 2-1-1 (0-0-0 Big East)
Date & Time: Thursday, September 5th, 2024 • 6 PM CST
Location: Corcoran Field
Live Coverage: FloSports | Live Stats
All-Time Series: BU leads 3-1-0
Series History
Bradley and Xavier don't have a long history, with only four all-time meetings. BU leads the series with three wins and one loss. The two sides haven't met since 2014, when Xavier left Peoria with a 4-2 win. Bradley's last trip to Cincinnati to face Xavier was in 2008, when Bradley earned a 2-1 road win.
About the Braves
Good starts to a season are nothing new for the Braves. Last season, the team carried an eight-game unbeaten streak into Missouri Valley Conference play, and this season, they stand at 3-1. BU's three wins this season have all been achieved in similar fashion, with the defense and goalkeeping performing exceptionally well and each win featuring a clean sheet. Offensively, the Braves have been sparked by an unlikely source. Sophomore Mitch Coughlon, who played his high school soccer at nearby Washington High, didn't see much action as a freshman, playing only 401 minutes last season with no goals or assists. This year, although Coughlon has only logged 89 minutes through four games, he has proven to be a dynamo when on the field. He leads Bradley in goals with three and presents a challenging speed matchup at the top of the formation late in games. Outside of Coughlon, Bradley has had a balanced scoring attack, with six players recording a goal and nine recording an assist.
About the Musketeers
Through four games, it's clear that the Musketeers are battle-tested. Xavier has already faced a top-two team in NCAA men's soccer, #2 Marshall, and won 2-0. XU has been fueled by a committee this season, much like Bradley, with Matthew Senanou leading the Musketeers with two goals. George Waites and former Bradley Brave Michael Rogalski each have two assists. In goal, Xavier's Jonny Mennell has played every minute, with a record of 2-1-1, 13 saves, and two goals against.
