The Northwestern men’s soccer team will try to break a seven-game losing streak at 3 p.m. today when it hosts Marquette at

Lakeside Field.

NU has scored just two goals during those seven games, but its defense held No. 6 Indiana scoreless for more than a half in Sunday’s 3-0 home loss. Freshman goalie Ryan Pederson replaced starter Adam Grossman after a long rain delay and didn’t allow a goal in the second half .

Defense will be key against the Golden Eagles (6-4-1), who have scored 21 goals this season, compared with NU’s six.

While Marquette has dropped three of its last five matches, it will be favored against the Wildcats (0-9-2, 0-5 Big Ten). The Golden Eagles won a tight 1-0 contest against the Cats last year. In addition, Marquette is fighting for a spot in the NCAA tournament later this fall.

But postseason play is the furthest thing from the Cats’ minds. Instead, they are hoping to break their 30-game winless streak. First-year coach Tim Lenahan has only been around for this season’s 11.

“We can have all the strategy and tactics down pat, but unless we come out with the desire and hunger, we’re not going to get a win,” junior midfielder Paul Elkins said.

Marquette sits in fourth place in Conference USA and is third in goals, assists, goals allowed and shutouts.

The Golden Eagles are led by senior Sean Reti, a first-team All-Conference USA selection last season.

“We’re hoping to play (Reti) really tough and always be aware of where he is,” Elkins said.

Freshman Chris Lee leads the Golden Eagles with four goals and four assists, good for seventh in the conference in overall scoring. Junior Mike Robards has also notched four assists on the year.

No NU player has scored more than one goal this season.

Joe Ziomek