Wildcats’ Comeback Falls Short In 3-2 Setback To Xavier

EVANSTON, Ill. (August 31, 2026) – Northwestern showed tremendous heart, nearly erasing a three-goal deficit, but saw time run out on its comeback in a 3-2 loss to Xavier (2-0-1) this evening at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.  Tonight’s defeat sees the ‘Cats drop to 2-1-1 on the young season.

How It Happened
After Xavier struck just under five minutes in through Ely Detty, Peter Riesz looked to get the ‘Cats back on level terms less than a minute later, but struck the side netting from a tight angle at the near post.

Dominic Pereira kept the deficit at one in the 11^th minute, collecting Beckham Williams’ shot from distance.  The visitors would double their lead inside the half-hour mark, as Ekene Okeke headed home following a long throw-in to give Xavier a 2-0 edge it would take into halftime.

After conceding a third goal in the early stages of the second half, a foul inside the 18-yard box by Xavier goalkeeper Jonny Mennell provided the ‘Cats a lifeline.  Riesz calmly deposited the ensuing penalty kick into the back of the net to trim the gap to 3-1 in the 54^th minute.

As was the case in last Friday’s matchup with Evansville, a set piece opportunity provided Northwestern with its second goal of the evening with just under 10 minutes to play.  Tre Barrett’s corner kick found its way to the back post, where it connected with a sliding Bryant Mayer.  The senior captain did the rest, directing into the top of the net to claw the ‘Cats within one, 3-2.

Pereira added a pair of saves as time ticked away, keeping hope alive for Northwestern, but the ‘Cats, who played the final nine minutes with 10 men, were unable to find a late equalizer as Xavier held on for a road victory.

Looking At The Numbers
- Fresh off a season in which he tallied a career-best four goals, Riesz opened his 2026 account this evening.
- Mayer also scored his first goal of the season in the second half.
- Eight different Wildcats have scored through the season’s opening four games.
- Barrett continued his hot start to 2026, moving into a tie for the team lead in assists with Mayer and Marco Silva after being credited with his second helper of the year.
- Pereira closed his evening with six saves in goal.

Up Next
Northwestern hits the road on Saturday, September 5, heading north to Milwaukee, Wis. for a 1 p.m. CT matchup with Marquette at Valley Fields.