BALTIMORE, Md. – The La Salle men's soccer team started its 2016 season in a big way on Friday night with a 1-0 road win over Loyola. The decisive goal came in the second half off the foot of Matt Robinson on a penalty kick. Senior goaltender Mike Kirk recorded his 11^th shutout with the help of the Explorer defense.
 
The victory marked the first in as many games under new head coach Rob Irvine.
 
"I'm very happy for our players," Irvine said after the game. "Tonight we competed against a very tough Loyola team that has so many talented attacking players. Our guys dug in and weathered the storm. Now we need to prepare for [upcoming opponent] Drexel."
 
Robinson, a redshirt junior, netted the game-winner in the 63^rd minute of action. The goal had to feel extra special for the midfielder out of Lansdale, Pa. considering he hadn't played since 2014 after missing all of last year due to an injury.
 
Kirk had four saves to complete the shutout. His 11 career shutouts rank fifth in program history. The senior needs just one more to tie Paul Centofanti '89 for fourth all time.
 
Colman Kennedy and Tony Daniele each registered a shot on goal in the match.
 
La Salle returns to Philadelphia for it's home opener on Tuesday night when the Explorers host Drexel under the lights of McCarthy Stadium. The game is set to begin at 7 PM.