VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Drake University men's soccer team will look for its fourth-consecutive win when it faces the Valparaiso Crusaders on Wednesday night. Kickoff is booked for 7:30 p.m. in Valparaiso.
 
The Bulldogs are rolling after opening Missouri Valley Conference play with a 2-0 victory over Bradley. Austin Smythe and Leroy Enzugusi found the back of the net for Drake, while Antonio Sanchez and Antonio Melendez were credited with assists.
 
Goalkeeper Luke Anderson has been outstanding between the posts as the Bulldogs have recorded three-straight clean sheets. Anderson notched three saves, including one on a penalty kick, against Bradley.
 
Wednesday will be the eighth all-time meeting between Drake and Valparaiso, with the Bulldogs holding a 4-2-1 advantage in the series. The schools split two matches in 2018. Valparaiso beat Drake, 1-0, in the regular season finale before the Bulldogs notched a 2-1 double-overtime victory in the MVC Tournament.
 
Scouting Valparaiso
 
The Crusaders (2-4-1, 1-1-0 MVC) were picked to finish sixth in the MVC this season after finishing last year 5-8-4 overall and 2-1-3 in conference play. The majority of the roster is made up of new faces with 15 newcomers and 13 returnees from last year's team.
 
Freshman Jack Eaton headlines the group of newcomers. The 6-foot-2 defender was named Indiana's Gatorade Player of the Year as a prep at Chesterton High School.
 
Valparaiso boasts a pair of talented midfielders. Redshirt senior Demar Rose earned a place on the preseason All-MVC team after being named a first team All-MVC choice in 2018, and senior Adan Garcia was an honorable mention All-MVC performer a season ago. Garcia was selected to the All-MVC second team in 2017.
 
Midfielder Mason Marcey and forward Cole Rainwater have led the charge offensively for the Crusaders this season. They are tied with the team lead with three goals and seven points apiece.
 
Valparaiso won against Evansville, 2-1, in its last match. Both of the Crusaders' victories this year have come within the friendly confines of Brown Field, extending their home unbeaten streak to five matches.