Simen Hestnes helps Xavier to 3-0 win over Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Simen Hestnes recorded a brace as Xavier men’s soccer won its second straight by a 3-0 score, putting up a dominant road performance at Harvard’s Jordan Field to improve to 2-1 on the season.

The Musketeers put on the pressure from the outset, taking 10 shots to Harvard’s three in the opening half and getting a pair of goals from Hestnes to take a 2-0 lead into the locker room.

Samson Sergi scored for the second straight match, finishing off a nice sequence with a left foot from about 15 yards out in the middle of the box. Josh Grant assisted on Sergi’s goal and Hestnes’ first tally, giving him a second straight match with two assists. Grant has had three multi-assist matches in his career.

Matt Vasquenza assisted on Hestnes’ second goal, giving him points in back-to-back matches after scoring in Sunday’s game against Drake.

For the match, XU held a 14-7 lead in shots and a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks. Hestnes led the Musketeers with seven shots, including six on frame.

The Musketeers also got a second straight shutout, as Zachary Nelson made three saves on the night for his second straight clean sheet.

HOW THEY SCORED
• 11′ | XAVIER 1-0 | Simen Hestnes finished off a centering pass from Josh Grant, diving forward and heading the ball past the Harvard keeper for his first goal in a Xavier kit. The play was started on a long volley by Sam Buzzas, who launched a pass from the backline to trigger the sequence.
• 21′ | XAVIER 2-0 | Hestnes found the back of the net again in the first half, finishing off a pass from Matt Vasquenza from point blank range. The junior received the ball just to the right of the frame, switching feet and firing a right foot into the upper 90.
• 71′ | XAVIER 3-0 | Samson Sergi tallied for the second straight match, taking in a cross from Josh Grant and finishing with his left foot from about 15 yards out. The play was started by Cameron Taylor, who fed a long volley from the backline to a streaking Grant on the right wing.