New Wilmington, PA- The visiting D'Youville men's soccer team was defeated by Westminster College in an under the lights match but showed great progress tonight. Although the Spartans fell to the Titans 4-1, D'Youville gave up two goals per half and came out strong in the second half to pull within one goal. The unassisted goal in the first four minutes of the second half was scored by Freshman Valentine Hill (Delevan, NY / Pioneer). Hill was able to dribble past the defenders for a shot on goal which resulted in the Spartans' first goal of the season. Head Coach Brendan Murphy commented on the goal, "To score our first goal of the season on the road is huge for us." He is impressed by the amount of progress and growth his team continues to make during each game.  Freshman Joseph Cordier (Delevan, NY / Pioneer) was also able to get a shot on goal for the Spartans but unfortunately it was saved by the Titans' goalkeeper.

D'Youville's defense continues to implement the strategies and system set in place. Goalkeeper Matt Smith (Bergen, NY / Byron-Bergen) contributed to the Spartans' solid defensive effort with nine saves along with the help of Senior defensemen Tyler Beach (Niagara, NY / Niagara Wheatfield) and Sean Lauer (East Amherst, NY / Williamsville East).

Coach Murphy couldn't be more pleased by the way his team continues to learn and use the strategies and techniques discussed in practice during the game. He commented on the game, "It was another brilliant performance by the team. The game was much closer than the final score indicated."

He looks forward to this upcoming weekend when D'Youville will compete in the Buffalo Tournament. The Spartans' first game is on Saturday, September 7th at 6pm against Juniata College. The tournament continues the following day with D'Youville taking on Thiel College at 11am. Both games for D'Youville will be played at their home field, the Riverside Athletic Complex.