Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Jason Plumhoff staked the La Salle men's soccer team to an early 1-0 lead, but VCU answered with two second half goals by Atlantic 10 leading scorer Jason Johnson to take the 2-1 decision on Sunday afternoon at McCarthy Stadium.

The loss drops the Explorers to 8-5-2 overall (2-3 Atlantic 10), while the Rams improve to 8-2-4 overall (4-1-1 Atlantic 10).

The Explorers jumped on board early with Plumhoff's goal in the 15th minute. Joe Farrell flicked Plumhoff the ball around the 25 yard line, who then dribbled down to the left side and launched a long direct shot into the net. The goal was Plumhoff's team-leading fifth of the season.

The game was fairly defensive in the first half, with VCU outshooting La Salle 7-6 in the first 45 minutes. Four of VCU's were on goal, but it was La Salle with the stronger looks at the net in the half.

Both squads turned up the offensive pressure after the break, with VCU's Johnson putting the visitors on the board just 1:15 into the second half. He took a cross from Juan Albelaez and slipped the ball into the left side of the net.

The Explorers had several strong looks at the net in hopes of getting the go-ahead goal, with five of their 12 shots being on the mark. But it was Johnson who came through for the Rams, netting the game winner in the 81st minute on a pass from Joseph Haboush.

The game was even with both squads taking 18 shots each and both goalies - La Salle's John McCarthy and VCU's Andrew Wells - recording six saves apiece. VCU held a 6-2 corner kick advantage.

The Explorers return home next weekend for the final two home games of 2012 when they host Saint Joseph's on Friday (10/26) at 7 p.m. and Temple on Sunday (10/28) at 1 p.m.