LORETTO, PENNSYLVANIA - Harry Elmore needed just 117 seconds to write the story of Saint Francis' 1-0 victory over FDU, slotting home a perfectly weighted through ball from Alex De Nittis that was expertly worked into the box by Thero Mitchell III before a crowd of 847 fans at the Saint Francis University Soccer Complex.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became a defensive chess match, with both teams marshaling their resources to protect their leads. The Red Knights' attempts to breach the Saint Francis defense were snuffed out time and again, as the home side's goalkeeper made 13 saves to preserve the shutout.
FDU pushed hard for an equalizer, orchestrating 13 corner kicks to Saint Francis' solitary effort, but the home defense held firm. The visitors managed 21 shot attempts across 90 minutes, but only three of these tested Saint Francis' goalkeeper. In contrast, Saint Francis' lone shot on target found the back of the net, epitomizing their clinical approach.
The first half was a tale of two teams - FDU dominating possession and creating chances, while Saint Francis countered with swift transitions and a resolute defense. Elmore's goal was the highlight of an otherwise uneventful first 45 minutes, with the Red Knights failing to capitalize on their early pressure. As the half wore on, Saint Francis began to establish their rhythm, with De Nittis and Mitchell III causing problems down the left flank.
The second half saw FDU increase the pressure, with a flurry of corner kicks and shot attempts. However, Saint Francis' defense remained organized, absorbing the pressure and denying the visitors a clear scoring opportunity. The home side's counter-attacks posed a threat, but FDU's goalkeeper made several crucial saves to keep her team in the game.
The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two contrasting approaches. FDU outshot Saint Francis 21-3 and earned 13 corner kicks to the home side's one, but their wasteful finishing ultimately proved costly. Saint Francis, meanwhile, were ruthless in their efficiency, converting their lone shot on target into a decisive goal. The 13 saves made by Saint Francis' goalkeeper were a key factor in securing the victory.
The victory represents more than three points for Saint Francis; it marks their first win in the current season after a brief stutter. The team now stands at 6-7-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play, having snapped their previous losing streak. For FDU, the loss extends their losing streak to two games, leaving them with an 8-4-3 overall record and a 4-1-1 conference record. Saint Francis next hosts Stonehill, while FDU travels to face Le Moyne.
Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for both teams. Saint Francis will look to build on their defensive solidity against Stonehill, while FDU will need to address their finishing woes against Le Moyne. The afternoon belonged to Saint Francis - and specifically to Harry Elmore, whose early strike set the tone for a hard-fought victory.
Key Players:
Harry Elmore (Saint Francis) – The match-winner showed clinical finishing, slotting home De Nittis' through ball with composure that settled his team's nerves.
Alex De Nittis (Saint Francis) – Orchestrated the attack with intelligent distribution, finding Elmore with a perfectly weighted through ball that led to the decisive goal.
Thero Mitchell III (Saint Francis) – Worked the ball expertly into the box, creating the opportunity that De Nittis capitalized on.
FDU's Goalkeeper – Made several crucial saves to keep her team in the game, but ultimately couldn't deny Saint Francis' solitary strike.