The University of Dayton men’s soccer team is gearing up for an exciting match against Jacksonville University this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Baujan Field. The Flyers are coming off a strong 5-1 victory over Detroit Mercy in their season opener and are looking to continue their winning streak at home.
Head coach Dennis Currier, who is in his 20th year at Dayton, has built a successful program and is the winningest coach in program history. Under his leadership, the Flyers have been dominant at home, boasting a 6-1-1 record last season and already starting this year with a win.
In their first game, Dayton showcased an impressive offensive performance, averaging 5.00 goals per game while limiting their opponents to just 1.00 goal. The team has been outshooting their opponents with an average of 18.0 attempts per game compared to 4.0 attempts by the opposing teams. With a shot percentage of .278 and shots on goal percentage of .389, the Flyers have been efficient in front of the net.
Leading the charge for Dayton is sophomore Felix Buabeng, who had a goal and two assists in the season opener. Other key contributors include junior Joseph Melto Quiah, transfer Ethan Sassine, and sophomore Braden Seel. The team has also seen five new players make an impact early in the season.
On the other side, Jacksonville University is coming off a tough 2-0 loss to No. 24 Louisville and will be looking to bounce back against Dayton. Head coach Ali Simmons, in his second season with the Dolphins, has a wealth of experience taking multiple programs to the NCAA Tournament as an assistant coach.
The Flyers and the Dolphins will be meeting for just the second time in program history, with Dayton coming out on top in their previous encounter in 2014. Dayton currently ranks third in the country in scoring offense and total goals, showcasing their offensive prowess early in the season.
Individually, Felix Buabeng ranks second in Division I in total assists and eighth in total points, while Joseph Melto Quiah is third in shots per game. The Flyers are setting the standard early in the season and will look to continue their success as they head to Columbus for the 2024 Wolstein Classic after the match against Jacksonville.
Overall, the upcoming match between Dayton and Jacksonville promises to be an exciting showdown between two competitive teams. With both teams looking to make their mark early in the season, fans can expect a thrilling display of soccer at Baujan Field. Be sure to tune in and support the Flyers as they aim for another victory on their home turf.