Sept. 24, 2011

Final Stats

PHILADELPHIA - Saint Joseph's men's soccer drops another close game 1-0 as Cornell came to town Friday night. The Hawks could not match the sense of urgency that the Big Red showed.

SJU started out flat, losing most of the 50/50 balls. Cornell was able to keep the Hawks on their heels because of their fiery start. It was not until late in the first half when Daniel Haber carried the ball through the middle and broke out on a one on one. He kept it on the ground putting the ball just passed the out stretched fingers of Andew D'Ottavi, netting the lone goal.

When asked about the offense, head coach Don D'Ambra replied "We started off slow not being able to retain possession. It was not until the second half when we got some good opportunities behind Alex Critzos and Jimmy Reilly." D'Ambra went on to add, "We have to execute the set pieces to change the outcome of these close games."

Not keeping possession of the ball helped create opportunities for the Big Red. The back line stepped up to play steady defense again. Behind senior Jake McPaul's grit and sense of urgency, the defense was able to interrupt many opportunities Cornell was producing.

The tough loss bring their overall record to 1-4-0 on the season. The men will regroup and hit the road this weekend looking for a win at Iona. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m.