WHEATON, Ill. – A successful penalty kick off the foot of Pablo Rubio Guerra proved to be the difference in the University of St. Francis men's soccer team's 1-0 win over Wheaton College on Saturday night.  The goal, which came in the first minute of play, was Rubio Guerra's second of the Fighting Saints' young season.
 
First Half   
In the first half of play, the match saw a back-and-forth battle with both teams having a fair share of opportunities to score.  The Saints (2-0-0) took seven shots compared to the Thunder's four.  Fortunately, USF keeper Fede Figueredo was on his game with four saves in the first half alone.  St. Francis manufactured many great looks, its best being Rubio Guerra's successful penalty kick off a Wheaton foul in the box at the 1:07 mark.  Misfired shots wide and high of the goal would prove to stall each of the Saints' other attacks.  Edward Luna made a threat to extend the Saints' lead with 1:30 remaining in the period, but Wheaton keeper Mason Escalante made a solid save to keep the score notched at 1-0 going into the locker room.
 
Second Half   
After two quick shots from seniors Dominik Barwiolek and Ander Santamarta in the first five minutes of play, defense shined bright in the second period for both squads as only three more shot attempts were made in total between the two teams.  Wheaton would break free to make its last threat in the 76th minute, but that look was the only chance USF's defense would allow as aggressive play would intercept many Thunder advances.  Rubio Guerra would make a try two minutes later, but his attempt would miss high of the net.
 
Games Notes   

• St. Francis took 11 shots in total on the night with five being on goal
• Rubio Guerra would lead the Saints with four shot attempts in the match
• St. Francis guarded its goal to perfection on Saturday night as Fede Figueredo notched a season-high four saves in his first shutout as a Saint
• USF's defense put on a solid showing, allowing just one Wheaton shot attempt in the second half

 
NEXT GAME   
The University of St. Francis men's soccer team will be back in action on Tuesday, August 27 in an away match against Carthage College (Wis.) at Art Keller Field at 6 pm.  

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