LOUISVILLE, KY.- University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer dropped the season opener 6-0 Thursday afternoon to the University of Louisville in USI’s first regular-season matchup with a major conference opponent since transitioning to NCAA Division I.
The Screaming Eagles were unable to find success in the offensive half, not recording a shot on a staunch Cardinal’s defense. USI’s pair of goalkeepers made some miraculous plays, with Freshman Jacob English recording seven saves in his collegiate debut and Junior Kael McGowan recording six in relief.
Freshman defender Joaquin d’Escoto was given a red card 3:34 into the game, leaving the Eagles down a man for the remainder of the match. The teams traded attacks early, unable to find the back of the net for the first 20 minutes.
The Cardinals opened the floodgates with their first score coming in the 22nd minute, rolling into a second goal two minutes later, then the final goal of the half at 34:56. USI went into the half down 3-0. English recorded five of his saves in the first half, on eight Cardinals shots on goal.
Out of the halftime break, Louisville matched its first-half production, scoring its final three goals in the first 19 minutes of the half.
For Southern Indiana, the Eagles opened the game strong, forcing a few offensive opportunities before Louisville found its rhythm in the match. USI’s defense dazzled at times, including a diving save from English and a beautiful slide tackle from freshman Kadiri Bello.
The Eagles return to Strassweg Field for their 2025 regular-season home opener against Rose-Hulman August 2; kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday’s contest will be streamed on ESPN+, and admission to the game will be free courtesy of ProRehab.
