BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Senior Hayden Criollo tallied the opening goal to give the La Salle men's soccer team an early lead, but the Explorers couldn't hold on, falling on the road to the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds on Saturday, 2-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Criollo buried his first goal of the season on a cross from freshman Omari Cotterell in the 21st minute to push the Explorers out to a 1-0 lead.
• LIU Brooklyn answered in the 35th minute, however, on a goal by Michael Gianino, and the two teams went into halftime knotted at one apiece.
• The Blackbirds took their first lead of the game, 2-1, in the 66th minute when Chris Solbakken converted on a header.
• La Salle had four shots over the final 6:13, including an opportunity in the final minute, but Anthony Sciola made seven saves for the Blackbirds to lead them to the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Explorers fell despite owning an 18-15 shot advantage and an 8-6 shot on goal advantage.
• La Salle had plenty of chances in the second half, outshooting LIU Brooklyn 10-7 in the final frame.
• Senior goalkeeper Cameron Keys matched his season high with four saves in net.

UP NEXT

• After a difficult four-game road swing, the Explorers will finally return home next as they begin Atlantic 10 Conference play against VCU at McCarthy Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
• Free food will be available at the game as part of the Fall Tailgate Series, and the game will also be available to watch on ESPN+ ($).