LONDON, Ont. - The No. 3 nationally ranked Western Mustangs men's soccer team is riding a hot streak, undefeated through seven games at 6-0-1. 

It has head coach Rock Basacco satisfied thus far, with hopes for continued success as the halfway point of the OUA soccer schedule is reached this weekend.

"We are very pleased with the tremendous start the team has enjoyed this year," said Basacco. "We are playing very sound team defence where we have recorded six shutouts in seven games. Andrew Murdoch has registered all 6 shutouts in net and has made some outstanding saves to preserve those shutouts." 

Murdoch, a native of Burlington, Ont., and a senior on the squad has been supported by a great defensive team effort, as Western has allowed only two goals in seven games. 

"This is an awesome accomplishemnt considering we graduated three of our back four defenders last year," Basacco said. "All of the players on the field are transitioning quickly to defend when we lose possession of the ball. We are getting numbers behind the ball and limiting our opponents to very few goal scoring opportunities."

Western hosts McMaster (4-2-1, 2nd OUA West) on Saturday Sept. 25 and Guelph (0-5-0) on Sunday Sept. 26 with both games kicking off at 3:15 p.m. TD Waterhouse Stadium. Basacco knows the games will be important, especially the game with McMaster in battle for top spot in the OUA West Division.

"The quality and parity in the West division has resulted in many of the games being very close in scoring, where a goal either way could have changed the outcome," Basacco said. "We have been working on our attacking schemes to create more quality goal scoring chances."

Western defeated McMaster and Guelph by 1-0 scorelines on the opening weekend of play, Sept. 4 and Sept. 5. The Gryphons have failed to score in five games this year. However, Basacco said he is wary of both squads.

"Both Mac and Guelph will both be coming into town with some revenge in mind this weekend," Basacco said. "They will both be very challenging games. Our team will have to be prepared to challenge for the win from the opening whistle."

Admission to any Mustangs home soccer game is free of charge.

OUA STANDINGS
As of Sept. 24