PHILADELPHIA – Senior captain Pat McCarthy scored the game-winning goal late to seal a 2-1 season-opening win for the La Salle men's soccer team over Iona in front of the home crowd at McCarthy Stadium Friday night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Sophomore goalkeeper Brett Werner made two saves in the opening half and helped the Explorers remain at a scoreless tie midway through the match.
• Redshirt freshman Colin Bateman, who made his collegiate debut, scored the game's first goal on a header in the 55th minute off a corner cross from sophomore Charlie Collins.
• Iona remained persistent, however, and tied the match at one apiece in the 75th minute on a breakaway tally from Lenworth Lopez.
• In the 78th minute, freshman Franc Gamiz Quer battled for a loose ball in front of the opposing keeper, working the ball to McCarthy, who fired in the game-winner from the right side.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Werner made three more saves in the second half and finished the contest with five saves in total to earn his second career win in net.
• Iona put the pressure on with 18 shots in the game, especially in the second half with 13 shots, but the La Salle defense held its own.

UP NEXT

• La Salle will hit the road next, heading to St. Francis Brooklyn on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. showdown.