Box Score (Fairfield, CT) – The Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash defeated the Sacred Heart Men's Soccer team in an emotional and physical battle in which four yellow cards and two red cards were assessed.
The Red Flash took the lead in the 53rd minute on a goal by Wayne Tiller. He knocked in a rebound on the original shot by Pedro Machado, who was sprung in for a run on a pass from the outside by Nick Kolarac.
Both teams nearly scored in a wild 74th minute. Justin Brewer (Somers, CT) headed a nifty header pass by Marcello Castro (Panana, Brazil) on a fast break, but Daniel Valcicak made a sharp punch save. Moments later in transition, SFPA tested Daniel Nicinski (Brooklyn, NY) again with a shot he stopped from the left by Kolarac. On the ensuing corner kick, Tamas Maffey-Stumpe chipped one over Nicisnski, but Castro made a brilliant defensive save near the goal line. He popped it out of harm's way about 35 yards away into the open field, where tempers then flared and a skirmish ensued. James Price was given a red card for "Violent Conduct", while Brewer also was assessed a red card for "Fighting".
Saint Francis (PA) had the game's first opportunity in the fourth minute, when David Trunzo found himself alone low in the box for a look from about 10 feet out. He was unable to settle the cross, drilling the shot wide. The Pioneers' first chance came in the 15th minute, when Mahmoud Kafel (Fairfield, CT) barley missed wide on a half-volley from about ten yards out.
Nicinski made six saves for the Pioneers, but Valcicak earned the shutout with five saves for the Red Flash.
SHU now moves to 5-4 on the season, while both teams are now an even 1-1 in NEC play. The Pioneers return to action on the road against Quinnipiac on Friday, October 5 at 3:30 pm.
