]MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Carroll University men's soccer team stepped outside of its usual competition Tuesday evening, taking on NCAA Division I Marquette in an exhibition match at Valley Fields. While the final score favored the Golden Eagles 7-2, the contest provided the Pioneers with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the region's top Division I programs.
Marquette controlled much of the play throughout the night, recording 33 shots and 16 shots on goal while building a 2-0 halftime lead before extending the margin in the second half. Carroll goalkeeper Angel Escamilla kept the Pioneers within striking distance early, making six saves in the opening 45 minutes against a steady attacking barrage from the Golden Eagles.
Despite facing a substantial challenge, Carroll continued to compete and found positive moments late in the contest. Senior forward Edin Hajric accounted for both Pioneer goals, first scoring in the 83rd minute before converting a penalty kick just over three minutes later. The pair of goals pushed Hajric's season total to seven and allowed Carroll to leave the match with momentum despite the result.
The exhibition also provided valuable minutes across the roster, with 20 different Pioneers seeing action against Division I competition. Experiences like Tuesday's match offer an opportunity for the Pioneers to measure themselves against a higher level of opposition while continuing to build depth and prepare for the stretch run of the season.
Carroll will now turn its attention back to conference play as the Pioneers continue their push in the CCIW race when they travel to Naperville to take on the Cardinals of North Central on Saturday at 2pm
