INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Despite University of St. Francis keeper
Logan LaFrance collecting eight saves in goal, the Fighting Saints men's soccer team was unable to find the back of the Marian University (Ind.) net, resulting in a 1-0 road loss on Thursday night. The defeat was the first match of the year for St. Francis.
First Half
In the first stanza, Marian (1-0-0) set the tone with its offensive pressure, but the Saints' defense remained steady throughout the entirety of the half. The Knights were able to target St. Francis' goal five times in the period off 11 shots with LaFrance shutting the door on each of those attempts. Offensively for USF,
Juan Jimenez and
Logan Wilkins each got off one shot, with Jimenez getting credit for the only USF on-target attempt in the half allowing the game to remain scoreless heading into the intermission.
Second Half
Marian continued its heavy offensive strategy into the first 15 minutes of the second half with six shot attempts before the Saints took advantage of a gap in the attacking field and registered two shots of their own which resulted in a pair of saves from the MU keeper. The next four minutes saw a lot of action in the middle of the field, but in the 78th minute, Marian was able to break free and connect for the match's only score, sneaking one past LaFrance to take the 1-0 lead and hand the Saints their first loss of the season.
Marian finished the match outshooting the Saints 21-4 with nine corner kicks compared to USF's two. In between the pipes, LaFrance led both goalkeepers with eight saves.
Up Next
USF returns to action on Wednesday, August 26 when it takes on Maharishi International University for the first time in program history. Opening kickoff against the Pioneers is scheduled for 7 pm at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.
