Sept. 29, 2010

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle men's soccer team staged a dominant first half, outshooting host Saint Joseph's 14-2 in the first 45 minutes, en route to a 1-0 win at Finnesey Field on Wednesday night. The Explorers move to 1-4-2, while the Hawks drop to 1-6.

The contest was not a designated Atlantic 10 match this season, but counts in the Soccer Six standings.

The Explorers rocketed over a dozen shots in the first half before Ryan Richter (Southampton, PA/William Tennent) broke through with the game's first and only goal with just 29 seconds remaining in the first half. He took a pass from rookie Jason Plumhoff (Ellicott City, MD/River Hill) and sent it into the net for his fourth goal of the season.

Offensive play was more even in the second half with the Hawks holding a 9-8 shot advantage, but three saves from rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy (Cinnaminson, NJ/Northeast Catholic) kept the home team off the board for the eventual final score.

McCarthy stopped a total of four shots in his first collegiate win. Michael Molton took the loss in goal for the Hawks, registering six saves. For the game, the Explorers doubled up on the Hawks on shots, outshooting the home team 22-11. The Blue & Gold also held a commanding 8-1 advantage on corner kicks.

The Explorers have now won two straight over their crosstown rivals. After several heated contests over the past few seasons, the two squads played clean ball on Wednesday with less than 20 combined fouls and only one yellow card on the Hawks' Tom Smart late in the game.

The Explorers completed their seven-game road trip and return to the friendly confines of McCarthy Stadium on Saturday, when they host Temple at 1:00 PM. This weekend is Parents' Weekend and the Explorers welcome back former soccer players for the annual alumni game, set for after the contest with Temple.