PHILADELPHIA – Senior defender Jake Nelson converted a penalty kick in the 86th minute to lift the Saint Joseph's men's soccer team over Siena, 1-0, on Wednesday evening. With the victory, the Hawks improve to 5-1-2 and match their total number of wins from last season with 10 regular-season matches still to play.

A Siena handball in the box set up the match-deciding play with 4:02 remaining in regulation. Nelson stepped up and fired his shot into the right side of the net, past the diving efforts of Siena goalkeeper Josh Weiss.

"I give Jake Nelson credit. It's a high-pressure situation, and he went up and drilled it home," said head coach Don D'Ambra following the match.

Saint Joseph's maintained strong offensive possession in the first half, firing off seven shots in the first 17 minutes of action.

The second half would see Siena (5-4-0) step up in possession and offensive opportunities, but SJU's defensive line of Nelson, fellow seniors Tommy Brooks and Brandon Stevis, and junior Tim Lazorko were solid in shutting down the offensive pressure from the Saints.

For the match, Saint Joseph's owned an 18-10 edge in shots, including a 10-4 advantage in the first half. The Hawks landed seven shots on goal, forcing Weiss to make six saves.

Senior forward Mike Glazer and sophomore midfielder Sam Irvin led the Hawks with three shots apiece.

Freshman goalkeeper Bobby Edwards (3-0-2) made three first-half saves in the 14th, 23rd, and 45th minute to secure the win and to earn his second collegiate shutout.

Saint Joseph's returns to action this Saturday, September 27 to host NJIT at 7:00 p.m. on Sweeney Field. The Hawks would like to welcome all 2014 campers to participate in Camper Appreciation Night on Saturday. All 2014 SJU Hawks Summer Camp participants will be welcomed to participate in the pre-game player introductions. In addition, campers will be brought onto the field at halftime, greeted by the SJU Hawk Mascot, acknowledged, and brought together for a large camp group photo. For more information and/or to RSVP for the event, please click here. 

MATCH NOTES: The Hawks are out to the program's best record over its first eight matches in 12 years, since the 2002 team jumped out to a 6-2-0 record to start the season. In the past six-match stretch, the Hawks have gone 4-0-2, which is the program's longest stretch of not losing a match in 20 years - since the 1994 team won six consecutive contests between October 14-29. With five victories this season, the Hawks have tied their total number of wins from 2013, with 10 matches still to be played this fall.