Box Score Buffalo, NY – The D'Youville men's soccer team fell to the visiting Franciscan Barons Saturday afternoon at Dobson Field by the final score of 4-1.
The Spartan offense came out of the gate strong. Jeffrey Espinoza (Baldwin, NY/Baldwin) forced the Baron goalkeeper to make at save just 1:45 into the game. Just under 10 minutes later, Espinoza would help give D'Youville the lead after feeding senior Nick Johnson (North Tonawanda, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) on a breakaway for his team leading third goal of the season, giving the Spartans the early 1-0 lead.
Franciscan's offense would begin to match the Spartan's offense, forcing goalkeeper Brett Matthews to (Angola, NY/Lake Shore) to make several key saves. However in the 30th minute, the Barons would find their scoring touch and tie the game at 1-1 from a shot that went across the box to the right side netting.
In the 37th minute, Franciscan would take the lead from a shot outside the box and take their 2-1 lead into halftime.
Hungry for his second goal of the game and the equalizer, Johnson came out firing in the first several minutes of the second half. None of his shots would find the net, but his aggressive play put pressure on the back line of the Barons.
Franciscan would swing moment further in their favor after doubling their lead in the 71st minute off a rebound in front of goal. With less than 2 minutes to go in the game, the Barons added an insurance goal to their lead off another rebound and would win the game by the final score of 4-1.
Nick Johnson led the team in shots with 7 and shots on goal with 3. Returning from injury, Aaron Zelko (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) had an impact on the offense with 3 shots, 2 of which were on goal. Sophomore Conner Ward (San Diego, CA/Cathedral Catholic) continued to thrive in his new midfield position. Ward created several attacks with his dribbling and vision, sending through balls to the attacking forwards.
On defense, Mike Lekanka (Newfane, NY/Newfane) had a strong game as well as midfielder Jason Wilson (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks).
The men will conclude their regular season on Tuesday, October 27th against rival Medaille at 5pm. Before the game begins, the team's two seniors will be honored for the D'Youville men's soccer careers.
