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SLU Saints men's soccer team shuts out Moravian, wins Lotto Classic

Posted 8/31/14

A dominant offensive game and stifling defense were the key to the St. Lawrence men's soccer team's 4-0 win over Moravian College on Saturday afternoon, as they held the Greyhounds to just one shot …

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SLU Saints men's soccer team shuts out Moravian, wins Lotto Classic

Posted

A dominant offensive game and stifling defense were the key to the St. Lawrence men's soccer team's 4-0 win over Moravian College on Saturday afternoon, as they held the Greyhounds to just one shot in the contest. With the win, the No. 7 Saints improved to 2-0 on the season and captured the 2014 Lotto Classic Tournament title.

The Saints controlled the play from the opening kickoff and jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the first half when junior Praveen Balakumaran redirected a pass from classmate Morgan Smith for his first goal of the season and the eventual game winner. Smith, who was an integral part of the Saints offensive efforts throughout the tournament, was named to the All-Tournament team following Saturday's win.

In the 29th minute, senior Austin Roney notched his first of the season and extended the St. Lawrence lead to 2-0. Junior captain Dan Hunt picked up an assist on the play after sending a cross into the box and right onto the foot of Roney, who was set up on the six and volleyed the ball past Moravian keeper Brian Boland.

With time winding down in the first half, junior Harry Copeland – who was also an All-Tournament team selection – made it 3-0 Saints on a set piece off a corner kick. Sophomore Ross Suitor hit a well-placed ball into the box along the goal line that deflected off junior Edward Gonzalez before landing at Copeland's feet. He simply touched the ball behind Boland for his second of the season.

In the 82nd minute, first-year student Cameron Pilarski notched his first collegiate goal on a rebound after Boland stopped his initial shot from 10 yards out. Senior Sars Bowman set up the play with a cross from the left corner to an unmarked Pilarski after blowing by a pair of Moravian defenders.

Bowman nearly added a fifth goal for the Saints in the 87th minute when he volleyed a cross from Christian Barral-Arteta from just outside the six, but Boland was able to get just enough of the shot to tip it over the crossbar for a corner.

Boland finished with seven saves for the Greyhounds, while Aaron Costello and Sean Houston combined for the shutout without needing to make a single stop.

In addition to Smith and Copeland, senior captain Mark Provost, junior Seyefe Brouk and sophomore Rob Brandell also earned All-Tournament honors.

St. Lawrence will next face the University of Rochester on the road on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.