CHICAGO, IL. — Olivet Nazarene University men’s soccer rallied with two second-half goals to secure a 2-1 victory over Saint Xavier University on Tuesday night at Deaton Field. With this win, the Tigers clinch the regular season Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) title and earn the top seed in the upcoming CCAC tournament.
Olivet fell behind early when the Cougars found the back of the net in the 7th minute, with a goal by Diego Garcia, assisted by Jaedan Aguilera. The Tigers responded with several attempts on goal, but they were unable to equalize. The half closed with the Tigers trailing 1-0.
The second half was a different story for the Tigers. A goal by Martinez in the 58th minute, assisted by Atjon Thaqi, leveled the score at 1-1. The momentum continued as Kai Bucher scored his first goal of the season in the 72nd minute, assisted by Noordhoek, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead. From there the Tigers held steady, and after a couple of Cedric Kunzli saves, the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for the Purple and Yellow Gold.
Bucher scored a goal with his only shot on target. Thaqi contributed an assist while also recording two shots on goal out of three attempts. Martinez found the back of the net, converting one of his two shots on target. Noordhoek added an assist and managed two shots on goal from two attempts. Kunzli made five saves, allowing just one goal in the match.
The Tigers improve to 14-2-1 overall and 9-0-0 in the CCAC. The Cougars fall to 11-4-2 overall and a 6-2-1 record in conference play.
Olivet returns home to the Bahr Soccer Facility for their regular season finale on Saturday, November 1 against Indiana Northwest. The contest is slated to begin at 7 p.m.
For more information about the athletics program, visit ONUtigers.com
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— Republished 10/30/2025 —
*Contact: Annabel Murley, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, almurley@olivet.edu
