PHILADELPHIA - The Explorers (5-5, 0-1 A-10) were edged by Saint Louis in the first Atlantic 10 conference match of the season for both teams on a wet, chilly Saturday night under the lights of McCarthy Stadium.

The game was an especially phyiscal one as both teams combined for six yellow cards and two red cards.

La Salle had quite some chances to tie the game, especially late in the contest. However, they couldn't seem to find the right angle. At one point in the second half, Sixtus Akinlosotu looked to have equalized the match when his kick almost slipped through the Billiken goalie's hands but stopped just short of the goal.

Conor Nichols' scored the Blue and Gold's only goal, just minutes after checking into the game at around the 39 minute mark of the first half to tie the game. Saint Louis re-took the lead on a penalty kick.

The Explorer offense was unrelenting, out-shooting Saint Louis 18-7 including 13-3 in the second half.

Head Coach Rob Irvine and his team will continue A-10 play next Saturday when they travel to play Rhode Island at 7:00 PM.