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PHILADELPHIA – Rob Friskey and
Jason Plumhoff sparkled on Friday evening at McCarthy Stadium, pocketing three points apiece as the Explorers took out Saint Joseph's, 2-0. With the victory, the Blue and Gold improved their Atlantic 10 record to 3-0 and their overall mark to 6-5-2. SJU dipped to 2-6-6 (0-3 A-10).
"I tell the guys all the time that you have to dominate the home field," head coach
Pat Farrell said post-game. "Now we go to VCU and Mason next week, two quality opponents, but we need to continue to generate points."
La Salle outshot the Hawks 7-5 in the first period but nothing materialized for either squad, both with goose eggs on the scoreboard at halftime. The Explorers upped the offensive pressure in the second frame, and it paid off in the 55
th minute.
Off a corner kick, Plumhoff sent a bender into the box, off the head of
Joe Farrell and onto the head of Friskey. Friskey's header was good for his third goal of the season and put the Blue and Gold up 1-0.
The Explorers pounced again nine minutes later off a throw-in. Friskey found an open Plumhoff just inside the 18, who spun and rocketed a ball past SJU goalkeeper Andrew D'Ottavi. Plumhoff's blistering marker was his eighth this season and gave the Explorers a commanding 2-0 lead, which stood firm.
Plumhoff has recorded 10 points (3 goals, 4 assists) over his last three matches. The reigning A-10 and Soccer 6 Player of the Week now has 22 points (7 goals, 8 assists) on the year – both team highs.
"Jason is a special-type player," Farrell said. "He looks like he's hitting his stride at the right time."
As are the Explorers, who now have a three-match winning streak to start their conference season.
John McCarthy posted a four save evening and recorded his third shutout of the campaign. His 26 career shutouts are most in Explorer history. D'Ottavi turned away six Explorer shots.
La Salle outshot the Hawks 17-12 and held a 4-3 corner kick advantage.
The Blue and Gold hit the road next weekend for a pair of matches against VCU (10/25) and conference newcomer George Mason (10/27).
Scoring Summary
NOTES: La Salle is 6-1-1 on the season when scoring at least two goals and is 5-2-0 at McCarthy Stadium…Plumhoff now has 70 career points, passing Ryan Richter (2007-10) for sixth in program history. His 24 career assists are good for second in La Salle history. He has had a hand in each of the Explorers' last seven goals…McCarthy now has 414 career saves, third all-time at La Salle…Friskey has recorded three point outings in two of his last three matches…Farrell notched his fifth assist on Friday evening, second-most on the club
