Oct. 30, 2009

Oct. 30, 2009

Game Notes (PDF) | Live Audio | Live Stats

MILWAUKEE -- With a possible trip to the postseason on the line, Marquette will celebrate "Senior Night" at Valley Fields on Saturday when the Golden Eagles host Pittsburgh in BIG EAST Conference men's soccer action. Kick off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

MU will also recognize the six current members of its senior class during a brief pre-game ceremony on the field. Being honored Saturday are seniors Michael Greene, Nick Kay, Tim Jallow, Tom Lynn, Matt Pyzdrowski and Billy Von Rueden.

Marquette (3-9-3, 2-4-3 BIG EAST) will be seeking its fourth home win of the season against the visiting Panthers (2-12-2, 1-8-1). Pitt has defeated the Golden Eagles in four previous chances, posting a 4-0 all-time record against MU, which includes a pair of victories at Valley Fields.

A draw or a win against Pittsburgh and Marquette would clinch the No. 6 seed in the upcoming BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship.

GAME CAPSULE
Marquette vs. Pittsburgh
Saturday, Oct. 31 (7:05 p.m. CT)
Valley Fields: Milwaukee, Wis.

Series Information:
Pittsburgh leads all-time series, 4-0

Marquette Television/Radio:
Audio: marquetteradio.mu.edu
Television: none

Live Stats:
GameTracker (GoMarquette.com)

KEY STORYLINES
Saturday will be the final regular season home match and "Senior Night" for the Golden Eagles, who will be honoring their six current seniors during a brief pre-game ceremony. Marquette needs just one BIG EAST point with two regular season matches remaining to earn its first-ever trip to the league's postseason tournament, which begins Wednesday, Nov. 4.

POSTSEASON PICTURE
Marquette is one point shy of clinching the No. 6 seed in the Blue Division. MU would earn the final spot in the 2009 BIG EAST Men’s Soccer Championship with a win (3 pts) or a tie (1pt) against either Pittsburgh or UConn. Marquette would also clinch a postseason berth if West Virginia defeats or draws with Seton Hall on Saturday, regardless of the outcome of MU’s final two regular season matches. However, Seton Hall would earn the No. 6 seed if the Pirates were to beat WVU and if MU lost both of its matches.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT
Pitt is coming off a 3-2 home win over Seton Hall, its first victory since a 3-1 decision over Robert Morris in the regular season opener on Sept. 1 and lone BIG EAST win of the 2009 campaign. Half of the Panthers' 12 goals this season have come in those two matches. Offensively, Pitt is led by Ryan Brode, who has registered seven points on three goals and an assist, and Mike McDade with three goals. On the other end of the pitch, goalkeepers Keega Gunderson and Zack Matthews have combined for a 1.78 goals against average and 29 goals allowed.

SENIOR NIGHT
A pre-game ceremony is planned prior to Marquette’s final regular season game of the season, Oct. 31 vs. Pittsburgh, to celebrate the six current seniors who will be graduating from the program. Matt Pyzdrowski, Tim Jallow, Nick Kay, Tom Lynn and Billy Von Rueden will be honored before the match.

LAST TIME OUT
Marquette lost its second straight match with Saturday’s (Oct. 24) 1-0 loss at Providence. The Friars netted the game-winning goal in the 55th minute and out-shot the Golden Eagles 13-9, as three MU players placed shots on goal.

SERIES HISTORY
Pitt has won all four of its matches against Marquette, which includes a pair of victories at Valley Fields. MU fell to the Panthers 1-0 last season in Indianola, Pa.

UCONN MATCH MOVED TO MONDAY
Marquette’s match at No. 8/5 Connecticut, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, was postponed due to unplayable field conditions. That match has been re-scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2 at Morrone Stadium in Storrs, Conn.