Men's Soccer Plays Bradley to 2-2 Draw in Sixth Annual "Devin's Game"

CINCINNATI – A tally for each team in the final 10 minutes set the final score at 2-2 draw for Xavier men's soccer, as they played host to Bradley for the Sixth Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Spring Classic at XU Soccer Complex.

The match raised over $2500 to 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.

After playing to a scoreless draw in the first half, the Musketeers took the 1-0 lead on a Payton Miller tally less than five minutes into the second half. Bradley, which made three NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010, answered in the 72nd minute to put the game in a 1-1 draw.

Xavier retook the lead with under seven minutes remaining on a Matt Vasquenza goal from Josh Grant, but the Braves scored and equalizer in the 88th minute to set the final score at a 2-2 draw.

The draw, which wraps up the spring schedule for Xavier, extends the Musketeers' unbeaten streak to four matches.

HOW XU SCORED

• 50' - Less than five minutes into the second half, Cole McKinney served the ball to Payton Miller at the top of the box. Miller split the defenders and shot from 18 yards out, straight away, finding the back of the net to put the Musketeers up 1-0.
• 83' - Xavier broke the 1-1 draw in the final 10 minutes after Josh Grant worked the ball into the 18 yard box to Matt Vasquenza just in front of the net. Vasquenza finished from inside the six-yard box to put the Musketeers ahead 2-1 going into the final five minutes.

OTHER STATS

• The Musketeers out-shot the Braves 15-11, including holding a 9-4 advantage in the first half.
• Vasquenza led the Musketeers with four shots, including a pair on-frame. Xavier had eight looks on-goal total.
• Xavier owned a 6-0 advantage on corner kicks.
• Zachary Nelson played the full 90 minutes, collecting four saves.

FROM COACH FLEMING

PHOTO GALLERY

Devin's Game 2017 by Xavier Musketeers on Exposure

ABOUT DEVIN

• Devin turns six on May 2 and attended kindergarten at Mariemont Elementary this past year. Devin loves going to the park and playing on the swings, especially pushing her friends and classmates.
• Devin also participates in swimming lessons and went to Melodic Connections Music Camp this past 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 20 players to have appeared in the match have gone on to play professionally, including nine former Musketeers.
• Xavier: Jalen Brown, Todd Pratzner, 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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