The Purple Aces return to the field at home, a place where Evansville has seen success this season. UE is 3-7-6 overall on the season, but holds a 3-1-4 mark in matches played at Arad McCutchan Stadium. On the year, the lone loss for the Aces at home came to No. 2 Indiana on September 21. Coming into the match, Evansville is unbeaten in five-straight matches at home.
Saturday evening’s match is the final regular season match at Arad McCutchan Stadium in 2018 for the Aces. In home finales, Evansville has won four-straight with its last loss in its final home match of the season coming in 2013.
On Saturday, the Aces and Crusaders will meet for the seventh time with Evansville holding a 3-2-1 advantage in the all-time series. In last season’s matchup, Valparaiso earned the 2-1 win over UE in Valparaiso, Ind. on October 7. The Aces are undefeated at home against the Crusaders with a 3-0-1 record in matches played at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Heading into Saturday’s match, Valparaiso is 4-7-3 overall and 1-1-2 in Missouri Valley Conference action and are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak that includes draws with Loyola and Central Arkansas. Offensively, the Crusaders are powered by Lucca Lacerda, who has scored four goals to go along with one assists for Valparaiso this season. In goal, Nacho Miras has appeared in 13 matches, making 36 saves while recording a 1.19 goals-against average.
Both teams have the ability to clinch a spot in the 2018 MVC Championship on Saturday evening. With a win, Evansville would secure itself a berth in the tournament, while a win or tie would lock the Crusaders into the championship.
