PHILADELPHIA – Junior Daniel Begovic and sophomore Jesper Lenander both found the back of the net to lead the La Salle University men's soccer team to a 2-1 home victory over the Howard University Bison in its season opener from McCarthy Stadium Tuesday night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The two teams got off to a slow start, combining for just four shots in the opening half as the Explorers and Bison were scoreless at halftime.
• La Salle broke the tie just moments into the second half when senior Hayden Criollo skimmed a pass to Begovic for a 1-0 advantage in the 47th minute.
• Lenander added to the total 13:30 later as he gained control inside the crowded box and placed his shot to the lower right corner for a 2-0 lead.
• Howard cut the deficit in half in the 77th minute on a goal by Victor Guirma.
• The Bison nearly scored in the final seconds on the contest on an attempt by Ronald Little, but senior goalkeeper Cameron Keys made the stop to seal the win. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• La Salle limited Howard to just three shots for the game.
• The goal by Begovic was his first career strike in his very first game as an Explorer.
• The Explorers held a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal.

UP NEXT

• La Salle will look to make it 2-0 on Saturday, when the Explorers travel to Iona for a 3 p.m. contest.