Men's Soccer Nets Win in Annual "Devin's Game," Raises Over $5K for DSAGC

CINCINNATI – Xavier men's soccer picked up a 3-0 win over Michigan State, capping the spring season by raising over $5K for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati on Saturday night at XU Soccer Complex.

Admission was a $5 donation and 1,258 fans filled the hill for an exciting end to the Musketeers' spring season.

Proceeds from the match will benefit "Devin's Team" as part of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati Annual Buddy Walk. The team is named for head coach Andy Fleming's daughter, Devin, who was born with Down Syndrome in 2011.

HOW XU SCORED

• 19' – After Matt Vasquenza went down hard on a tackle in the box, Majed Osman lined up a penalty kick and beat the MSU keeper to get XU on the board.
• 37' – Samson Sergi gathered a throw-in from Josh Grant, turning around inside the box and launching a laser to the upper 90.
• 86' – A late breakaway saw Kaleb Bayse lay off a nice pass to Jalen Brown, who one-touched it and send a rocket to the far post to make it 3-0.

OTHER STATS

• Xavier outshot Michigan State 12-8 overall, including 8-3 in the first half.
• Three Musketeers – Jalen Brown, Matt Vasquenza and Majed Osman – were tied for game-highs with three shot attempts.
• Jake Ciricillo made five saves in net, including a huge diving stop on an MSU penalty kick in the first half.
• Michigan State took a 5-2 edge in corners, but could not find the net.

QUOTABLE

"This has really evolved into a nice, niche event in the community. I saw some kids from my street, some neighbors, the pediatrician's office we go to – they were all here – alumni, former players, former team parents, recruits, people from across campus. It really warms my heart to see people come out. I want to thank God, literally, for having the weather cooperate for the first time. And the final component is we were able to raise, probably over $6-7 thousand dollars when we get all the numbers done with concessions." - Xavier Head Coach Andy Fleming

ABOUT DEVIN

• Devin turns five on May 2 and has completed two years of pre-school at Terrace Park Elementary.
• Next year, she will attend kindergarten at Mariemont Elementary. Devin loves going to the park and playing on the swings, especially pushing her friends and classmates.
• Devin also participates in swimming lessons and will go to Melodic Connections Music Camp this summer – in addition to summer tutoring at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.
• Most importantly, she loves to yell, "Go X!" and make the X sign with her arms.

WHAT IS DSAGC?

• The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC) is a 501C-3 non-profit organization established in 1981 with a history of responding to the changing needs of individuals with Down syndrome.
• The DSAGC serves southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana including Hamilton, Butler, Brown, Clermont, Warren, Highland, Clinton, Adams, Boone, Campbell, Kenton and Dearborn counties. The organization's constituency is comprised of 1,300 individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, 3,000 family members and over 300 local professionals.
• The DSAGC is funded primarily through special events, such as the Buddy Walk. Other sources of revenue include donations and foundation support. The DSAGC is self-sustaining. The funds raised by the organization remain in the local community.

ALUMS IN THE PROS

• At least 18 players to have appeared in the match have gone on to play professionally, including seven former Musketeers.
• Xavier: Nick Hagglund, Matt Walker, Will Walker, Eric Osswald, Dallas Jaye, Luke Spencer, James Queree
• Other Schools: Harrison Shipp (Notre Dame), Justin Morrow (Notre Dame), Will Trapp (Akron), Scott Caldwell (Akron), DeAndre Yedlin (Akron), Chad Barson (Akron), Bryan Gallego (Akron), Reinaldo Brenes (Akron), Aodhan Quinn (Akron), Zac Portillos (Akron), Eric Stevenson (Akron)

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