Six-Goal Thriller: Evansville and Xavier Battle to 3-3 Draw

EVANSVILLE, IN - September 10, 2025 - In an extraordinary display of attacking soccer, Evansville and Xavier played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Arad McCutchan Stadium. The match featured six goals, momentum swings, and dramatic late equalizers that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the 90 minutes. Devin Shepherd was the star of the show for Evansville with two crucial goals, while Xavier showed tremendous fighting spirit to earn a point on the road.

First Half: Early Xavier Lead

The match began with both teams showing attacking intent from the kickoff. Andres Escudero committed an early handball in the 2nd minute, setting the tone for what would become a physical and fast-paced encounter. Nacho Garcia picked up a foul in the 4th minute as Evansville tried to establish control.

Xavier struck first in the 5th minute, taking a 1-0 lead with a clinical finish that silenced the home crowd. The visitors continued to press, with Nolan Brice committing a foul in the 6th minute as Xavier looked to double their advantage.

Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza tested the Evansville goalkeeper with a low center shot in the 8th minute, showing Xavier's intent to build on their early lead. However, Evansville responded quickly, with Devin Shepherd having a shot go high left in the 10th minute, signaling the home side's determination to get back into the match.

The equalizer came in the 10th minute when Evansville pulled level at 1-1. The goal energized the home crowd and shifted the momentum. Cristiano Fitzgerald had a shot go out left in the 10th minute for Xavier as they looked to regain their lead immediately.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams create chances. Álvaro Timón forced a save with a low right shot in the 12th minute for Evansville. Xavier earned a corner in the 13th minute, with Harun Bakaran picking up a foul in the 14th minute as the physical battle continued.

Both teams continued to push for a second goal. Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza had another shot go out left in the 27th minute for Xavier, while Nathan Trickett shot high in the 28th minute. Alejandro Silvestrini went out right with his effort in the 32nd minute as Xavier increased the pressure.

Evansville had their chances too, with Martin Wurschmidt having a shot blocked in the 34th minute. The home side continued to create opportunities, with Cannon Scretchen forcing a save with a low center shot in the 37th minute. Nacho Diaz Barragan went over the bar in the 38th minute, while Jabari De Leon had a shot blocked in the 43rd minute as the first half drew to a close with the score level at 1-1.

Second Half: Goals Galore

The second half began with immediate drama. Martin Wurschmidt shot high for Evansville in the 46th minute, but it was Cooper Forcellini who made the breakthrough. After his shot high left in the 48th minute, Evansville took a 2-1 lead, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Xavier refused to give up and continued to press forward. The game saw multiple substitutions around the 55th minute mark, with both teams making tactical adjustments. Pablo Calvete committed a foul for Evansville at this time, earning a free kick for Xavier.

The visitors' persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Andres Escudero's shot found the net to level the score at 2-2. The goal came just as Chase Ricker was being substituted for Evansville, highlighting the dramatic timing of Xavier's equalizer.

Evansville responded brilliantly, retaking the lead at 3-2 in the 72nd minute. The home side seemed to have control of the match, but Xavier had other ideas. In a dramatic twist, Devin Shepherd struck in the 75th minute to complete the scoring at 3-3, capping off an incredible display of attacking soccer from both teams.

The final 15 minutes saw both teams push for a winner. George Waites had a shot blocked in the 77th minute for Xavier, while Ezra Widman shot out right shortly after. Nolan Brice picked up another foul in the 79th minute as the physical nature of the match continued.

Nate Roberts forced a save with a low left shot in the 82nd minute for Evansville, while Ben Zec went out left in the 83rd minute. Johnny Gourley had a shot blocked in the 85th minute, and Aron Snaer shot high in the 86th minute as Evansville pushed for a late winner.

Xavier also had late chances, with Ekene Okeke having a shot blocked in the 88th minute and shooting high center in the 89th minute, but neither team could find the decisive goal.

Play-by-Play Highlights

Tactical Analysis

This match was a tactical rollercoaster with both teams showing attacking ambition throughout. Xavier's early goal forced Evansville to open up, leading to an end-to-end contest. The quick response from Evansville to level at 1-1 set the tone for what would become a goal-fest.

Both teams showed vulnerability in defense but compensated with clinical finishing in attack. The substitutions around the 55th and 70th minute marks proved crucial, with fresh legs contributing to the late goals. The fact that three of the six goals came in the final 25 minutes demonstrates the open nature of the contest and both teams' commitment to securing all three points.

Devin Shepherd's performance was particularly noteworthy for Evansville, involved in multiple key moments throughout the match. For Xavier, Andres Escudero and Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza were constant threats, with Escudero's equalizer proving crucial in earning a point.

Key Performers

Devin Shepherd (Evansville) - Central to Evansville's attacking play, Shepherd was involved in crucial moments throughout the match, including the dramatic late goal that sealed the draw.

Cooper Forcellini (Evansville) - Scored what looked like it might be the winning goal early in the second half, giving Evansville the lead at a crucial time.

Andres Escudero (Xavier) - Despite the early handball, Escudero was instrumental for Xavier, scoring the important equalizer at 2-2 that kept his team in the match.

Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza (Xavier) - A constant threat throughout, creating multiple chances and keeping the Evansville defense on their toes.

Martin Wurschmidt (Evansville) - Active throughout the match with multiple shots and clever play in the final third.

Statistical Overview

The statistics tell the story of an incredibly open match. With six goals and countless chances for both teams, this was entertainment at its finest. Both teams registered double-digit shots, with the goalkeepers forced into numerous saves. The high number of fouls (multiple from players like Nolan Brice and Nacho Garcia) showed the competitive nature of the contest.

The timing of the goals - spread throughout both halves - meant neither team could ever feel comfortable. The fact that the score was level three times (0-0, 1-1, 2-2) before finishing 3-3 demonstrates how evenly matched these teams were on the night.

Looking Ahead

This thrilling draw will give both teams confidence moving forward. Evansville will be pleased with their attacking display and ability to respond to setbacks, though they'll want to tighten up defensively after conceding three times at home. The performances of Devin Shepherd and Cooper Forcellini provide reason for optimism.

Xavier will take heart from earning a point on the road in such dramatic fashion. Their never-say-die attitude and ability to equalize three times shows strong character. The attacking partnership of Andres Escudero and Fabrizio Bernal de la Garza looks promising for future matches.

Both teams demonstrated they can score goals, but defensive improvements will be needed if either side hopes to string together consistent results. This match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining of the season, with fans of both teams witnessing a classic encounter.