PHILADELPHIA, PA - Men's soccer bounced back from their 0-1 start this season with a convincing victory over the visiting Patriots.  Despite a solid effort by both teams, the Explorers fought for and gained a commanding lead that the Patriots would not answer for the rest of the match.

 

The ball movement was fierce in the first half, the only goal coming with just under two minutes left on the clock.  After an assist by sophomore Dan Heavey through a sea of Patriot defenders, Defender Jeff Spiker found an opening just inside the goalpost and tapped it in to make the score 1-0 La Salle.

 

The two teams would continue to battle, neither team dominating over possession.  Then in the 81^st minute of play, off a pass from  Kevin Lydic, freshman Taylor Young dribbled up to the net, lost his feet, and managed to slide kick the ball into the goal as he fell to the ground.  That impressive finish would push the score to an imposing 2-0 Explorers lead. 

 

The Patriots fought hard for the final 9 minutes of the game, laying out 5 shots on goal in the second half.  The Explorers remained strong, however, and held the lead until the clock ran down to zero, giving the team its first victory of the season. 

 

The Men's soccer team will take on Lafayette this Tuesday, a rescheduled game from last week that was postponed due to inclement weather.