PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle Men's Soccer team (9-7, 4-3 A-10) defeated Saint Joseph's on Saturday night in a crucial conference game that will put them in the postseason. Sixtus Akinlosotu scored his second game-winner of the season to put the Explorers on top in the second half.

La Salle surrendered two goals in the first 11 minutes of the match, but managed to turn things around and shut out the Hawks for the rest of the game. Pat McCarthy scored his second goal of the season on a header off of a throw in assisted by Zach Rutherford. Later in the half, Matt Robinson equalized on a shot off of a pass from Colman Kennedy.

Akinlosotu scored in the 87th minute of the game after rebounding his own shot and putting it into the net.

"As a group, we were very unhappy with our start to the game," said Head Coach Rob Irvine. "Sain't Joe's were well worth their lead. But we stayed persistent and chipped away at it. Credit to the guys for battling and finding a way to get the result."

Johnny Ciarlante had a team-high five shots.

The La Salle defense allowed just two shots on goal in the contest.

With two games (one in conference) remaining, Head Coach Rob Irvine and the Explorers are just one point away from second place in the conference. La Salle plays at Hartwick on Tuesday at 7 before returning home for its last game of the regular season on Saturday when it hosts UMass.