LORETTO, PA – Two quick second half scores lifted the Saint Francis U men’s soccer team to a hard fought 2-1 Northeast Conference victory over St. Francis (NY) on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Loretto.
Very early on in the contest senior goalkeeper Daniel Valcicak made a high flying diving save on the Terriers (5-6-1, 2-2 NEC) first shot of the game, keeping the match scoreless for another 26 minutes. SFC did strike first in the game however, tallying a goal in the 32nd minute of play and took that one goal lead with them into the halftime break. Shots finished even at six apiece in the first half but possession of the ball belonged to SFC.
When the rain began to fall and the second half got underway the Red Flash (5-5-2, 3-1 NEC) offensive attack picked up. Saint Francis forced SFC keeper Tyler Clarhaut to make four saves in the second period before the Red Flash struck for two goals. Alex Hainault floated a pass to David Trunzo near the box who then headed in a pass in front of the net for James Price to tie the game at one in the 63rd minute of play. For Price it was the third goal of his career and first of his senior campaign.
Just about four minutes had gone by when SFU put another one in the back of the net off of a canon shot from Nick Kolarac. The junior midfielder now has three goals on the season which sets a new single season high for him. Totaled with his three goals are his two assists, making him the team leader with eight points.
The Flash defense did its part as the remainder of the time ticked away, allowing the Terriers just three more shots in the contest. Valcicak wasn’t tested much but when he was he came away with three key saves to preserve the 2-1 win.
Saint Francis is back in action next Sunday Oct. 14 when they square off against in-state and conference rival Robert Morris on the road at 3 p.m.
