LOUDONVILLE, NY - Siena Men's Soccer welcomed a high-major opponent to Hickey Field for the first time in 13 seasons on Friday evening, and also welcomed the opportunity it presented. The Saints earned a point against the defending BIG EAST Conference champion Xavier Musketeers by way of a scoreless draw in the team's first home match since Aug. 22. 
 
Xavier (2-2-3), fresh off its first BIG EAST title in program history, previously defeated #2 Marshall this season, 2-0, on Aug. 29. The team also battled #21 Ohio State to a two-goal loss, and picked up a win over Cal State Fullerton, who defeated #6 UCLA last week, on Aug. 25. The Musketeers were also ranked ninth in the latest United Soccer Coaches East Region Rankings.   
 
Siena captured its first point against a high-major team since drawing with Boston College in 2022, and its first at home since defeating Syracuse 2-1 in 2011. 
 
Playing the game with limited backs, the Saints held Xavier to just two shots on goal, both of which were corralled by Bennet Glinder, and 10 total shots. In its own right, the Green & Gold produced three shots - all of which coming in the second half - and one look on target by Cole Hellert. Nick Fernandes had one shot that sailed wide left of goal, while Dren Dobruna had another from the left side wing that was blocked by a Xavier defenseman. 
 
Backliners Jesper Schone Vogtengen, Dren Dobruna and Benjamin Fogarty were aided by their midfield teammates to hold the Musketeers to one shot on goal throughout the first half over six total attempts. 
 
The Saints' attack looked to get going early in the second period. In the 50th minute, Hellert served a shot through traffic to the low right post that was eaten up by Xavier goalkeeper Jonny Mennell for his lone save of the evening. 
 
While looking to make a late push in the final 10 minutes of action, the sides combined for three offsides - two of which by Siena - while neither could come up with a shot on goal. Fernandes had an opportunity in the 87th minute when Lee Mara found him charging up field. With two defenders closing in, the graduate student's shot fired wide left. 
 
The Musketeers were held without a shot attempt over the final 14 minutes of play. One potential opportunity was halted in the 84th minute with an offside call. Following a Siena foul with six seconds left at midfield, Xavier goalie Mennell lined up for a last heave free kick that couldn't land in time, running the clock down to zero to cap off the match. 
 
Siena (1-2-3) continues its stretch of high-major opponents on Tuesday, Sept. 17 with a road match against Boston College. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. from Newton, Massachusetts.