PHILADELPHIA – Senior forward Nigel Buckley delivered the game-winning goal to lead the La Salle men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over St. Francis Brooklyn in its home opener from McCarthy Stadium Monday night. It was the first career win for head coach Taylor Thames in only his second match at the helm.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first half was relatively quiet, with neither goalie needing to make a save and both squads combining for just five shots in the period.
• After the scoreless tie at halftime, things began to heat up in the second half and La Salle was able to put some pressure on.
• The Explorers nearly got on the board just over five minutes into the half as sophomore Justin Brunow fired three straight shots on target, but all three attempts were denied.
• But in the 74th minute, Buckley rushed down on a breakaway and was able to squeeze one past the keeper in the bottom right corner to give the home Explorers a 1-0 lead.
• The Terriers managed one more shot on goal the rest of the way, but graduate student Mitch Foster made a diving save to preserve the shutout.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• St. Francis entered the match receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches national preseason rankings.
• La Salle held a 10-3 shot advantage in the second half and had a 12-6 edge in shots for the match, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on target.
• Foster needed to make only two saves to pick up the victory in just his first career game.

UP NEXT

• The Explorers will hit the road next, visiting UMBC on Friday for a 7 p.m. match.