AMHERST, Mass. – The La Salle men's soccer team fell to the Massachusetts Minutemen 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Rudd Field. 

The Minutemen notched the game-winner on a Will Ellis penalty kick in the 64th minute to break a 1-1 tie. Willis also scored Massachusetts' first goal, converting a penalty kick in the 20th minute. The teams committed an even 18 fouls apiece in the game. 

After falling behind on Willis' penalty kick midway through the opening half, Andrew Connors tied the game at 1-1 five minutes into the second half with his sixth goal of the season. The senior dribbled down the left flank and beat UMass keeper Jorge Becerra to the right side of the net in the 50th minute. 

The Explorers took five shots in the second half but couldn't find the equalizer in the final 26:27 following Willis' second score. La Salle fired 15 shots in the game and controlled corner kicks 9-6. The Explorers were flagged for being offside three times in the contest.   

La Salle keeper Mike Kirk made six saves against 16 shots on the afternoon. 

The Explorers return home on Saturday to host the Rhode Island Rams at McCarthy Stadium at 1 PM.