Oct. 31, 2008
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA--The Saint Joseph's men's soccer team showed some real moxie coming from behind to stun Xavier, 2-1, on Friday night at Finnesey Field. Colin Baker tallied a pair of second half goals, the second coming with just 30 seconds remaining in regulation provided SJU its first Atlantic 10 victory.
With the score knotted at one and just 45 seconds on the clock, a Travis Gast free kick was sent into the penalty area, but Xavier was unable to clear the ball. Alex Garst picked up the pieces as he sent a chip onto the head of Michael McInaw who laid it off perfectly for Baker, whose shot found the back of the net.
Saint Joseph's (4-6-2, 1-4-1 Atlantic 10) had a sluggish start to the game, allowing the Musketeers to distribute the ball across the field effortlessly. Xavier (2-11-3, 1-4-2 A-10) capitalized on its opportunities when Jeffery Lyman calmly put a ball past Bryan Benedict (seven saves) off a short cross from Jimmy Cummings at 14:04.
SJU would fight back in the remaining minutes of the first stanza forcing XU goalkeeper Ryan Engelmann (seven saves) to make three saves. Benedict stood tall for the Hawks with four first half saves, receiving help with one team save.
Saint Joseph's looked to take advantage from its momentum ending the first half and put the pressure on the Muskies with some early shots on net including some chances by Baker from long range.
The Hawks got a break when Tommy Clines clipped the ankle of Michael McInaw inside the penalty area to set SJU up for the equalizer. Baker drilled his kick right up the middle to even things at one with over 32 minutes to go.
The remaining portions of the second half were back and forth, with many teams receiving ample opportunities for goals. The two teams registered 24 shots combined in the stanza, with SJU having a 13-11 advantage.
For the game, XU edged the Hawks in shots, 22-19 and 3-2 in corner kicks, but SJU's defense came up strong with nine saves to Xavier's seven.
The win moved the Hawks to 5-8 all-time against Xavier, taking the last two contests from the Muskies.
Saint Joseph's will return to Finnesey Field on Sunday to take on the #22 Dayton Flyers at noon. The Flyers were upset on Friday afternoon, 4-2, at Temple.
