Medford, MA - The Men's Soccer team is on a roll, now having won two straight, and already surpassing last season's win total after just six games. The 1-0 victory over the University of Saint Joseph Bluejays (2-1), gives them a 4-2 overall record and a sense of excitement for the Men's Soccer program.
USJ came into the game undefeated having won their first two contests of the season, and came out strong after the initial whistle. The Bluejays earned three corner kicks within the first ten minutes of play but could not produce a shot on goal keeping the score knotted at 0-0. USJ continued to put pressure on the Falcons defense, but the Falcons would hold strong as keeper Christoper Garcia (Rowland Heights, CA), came away with three key saves in the first half. The Falcons had their best opportunity of the first half on a header shot from senior captain Steven Jagba (Boston, MA), but USJ's keeper Joseph Boland denied the attempt keeping the two teams tied. Each team had numerous scoring chances the rest of the first half, with the Bluejays earning seven corner kicks, but neither team could find the back of the net and the teams remained tied at the half.
The teams came out of the break with a defensive mindset as there were no shots attempted for either side over the first ten minutes of the second half. That changed though when sophomore Joel Bailey (Derrider, LA) found Andree Molina (El Paso, TX) open who blasted it past Boland to take the 1-0 lead at the 55:27 mark. The Bluejays were eager to tie it up quickly, outshooting the Falcons 6-1 in the second half, but the Falcons defense remained tough and held on for the 1-0 victory.
Garcia was instrumental in the win, making four dynamic saves in the second half to earn his 4th victory of the season. Molina's goal was his 4th of the season and the freshman now has 13 points to lead the team. USJ was led by DeAnte Anderson who finished with three shots (two on goal) in the losing effort.
The Falcons will play host to the New England College Pilgrims this Saturday, aiming for their third straight win. The game will be under the lights at Hormel with a 6pm start time.