The Crusader men's soccer team opened the 2006 season Friday night in Cincinnati, Ohio, falling 2-0 to Xavier (Ohio) in an exhibition match.

Junior Sean McGinnis (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) got the start at keeper and made five first half saves, sending the game into the locker room scoreless. But the Musketeers struck twice in the second half, getting the match-winner from Chris Miliano in the 51st minute. Slavisa Ubiparipovic added an insurance tally in the 78th minute for the hosts.

The Crusaders fired nine shots for the match (five on goal) including a team-high three from senior Henrik Turk (Grayslake, Ill./Mundelein) who twice directed the ball on frame. Clifton Brown (Chillicothe, Ohio/Unioto) added two shot attempts for the Brown and Gold.

Valpo wraps up the exhibition season on Sunday at Eastgate Field, hosting UW-Milwaukee at 3:00 p.m. The Panthers have won four straight Horizon League titles and enter the 2006 season ranked 24th nationally by Soccer America. The Crusaders will join the Horizon League prior to the 2007 season.

box score