Oct. 3, 2010

BRYANT MEN'S SOCCER TOPPLED BY SAINT FRANCIS (PA), 4-0, SUNDAY AFTERNOON

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite taking a total of 14 shots in the game, the Bryant University men's soccer team fell, 4-0, to Saint Francis (PA) Sunday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium for its first Northeast Conference loss of the season.

The Bulldogs (2-5-1, 0-1-1 NEC) enjoyed a great scoring opportunity in the fifth minute of the game as Nicholas Parisi (Holbrook, N.Y.) collected a rebound in front of the Red Flash net but his shot rose just high of the crossbar.

Following nearly 20 minutes of even game play, Saint Francis took the lead on a goal scored by Tyler Hibbs who drilled a pass from Makala Hairston past the reach of Bryant keeper Victor Tutino (Deer Park, N.Y.).

The Red Flash wasted no time in scoring after intermission when Wayne Tiller sent a long cross into the Bulldog box where Kingsley McLeod was in prime position to head it into the net for the 2-0 advantage. Nick Kolarac was also credited with an assist on the play.

In the 48^th minute, Bryant senior Erik Lekstrom (Worcester, Mass.) was tripped up in the box for a penalty kick but Red Flash keeper Daniel Valcicak guessed the correct side, diving to his right to deflect the shot and preserve the shutout.

The Bulldogs stormed back four minutes later as senior Tom Nelan (East Haddam, Conn.) ripped a curving shot from 25-feet out but it was saved by the leap of Valcicak.

Saint Francis added its third goal of the game in the 65th minute when Sean O'Reilly dribbled around multiple defenders and found enough space to beat Tutitno with a shot to the left. The final goal came in the 81st minute on a header by Seamus Ryder while Owen Gombami and Taylor Powers were given assists on the play.

Tutino finished with seven saves for the Bulldogs, who will visit St. Francis (NY) on Friday, Oct. 8 at 4:00 p.m.