Oct. 22, 2006

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's men's soccer team turned in a stellar team effort Sunday at Finnesey Field, shutting out Duquesne, 1-0. Freshman Jason Lewis scored the game's only goal in the seventh minute to provide the offense for the Hawks in their upset of the second-place Dukes. Sophomore Bryan Benedict sparkled in net for SJU, recording five saves.

Saint Joseph's (2-11-3, 1-5-1 Atlantic 10) was awarded a free kick in the Duquesne (10-5-1, 5-2-0 Atlantic 10) end early in the first half. The ball ended up on the foot of junior Ian Kane just inside the 18-yard box. Kane's crossing pass found Lewis in front of the net, and he nodded the ball past Dukes' keeper Zach Varga for the game-winner.

As the match wore on, play became more physical as the Dukes tried to tie the game. The Hawk defense held firm, led by senior Sean McLaughlin and freshman Travis Gast. The teams combined for 46 fouls and five cautions in the contest.

The win was made even sweeter for coach Tom Turner and the Hawks because it came on Senior Day. Eight seniors were honored in a pre-game ceremony for their service to the University both on and off the field. The honorees were seniors Jim Brown, John Creed, Joe Grayauskie, McLaughlin, Dean Niedosik, Chris Powell, Andrew Takats, and Matt Wurst.

The Hawks will end their season on the road as they look to qualify for the Atlantic 10 Championship. Saint Joseph's takes on St. Bonaventure on October 27, and concludes its regular season schedule at Fordham on October 29.