FAIRFIELD, CONN. — Despite generating sustained pressure and owning a significant shot advantage, the Sacred Heart University men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Siena on Sunday afternoon in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship game at Park Ave Field. The result marks Sacred Heart's first home defeat of the season, while Siena improves to 9-5-4 overall.
The Pioneers outshot the Saints 22-7, including an 11-4 margin in shots on goal, but Siena goalkeeper Bennet Glinder turned away nine attempts in a standout performance.
Records:
#1 Sacred Heart (9-4-5)
#2 Siena (9-5-4)
Top Performers:
Brady Poor - 1 goal
David Garcia Gallego, 1 assist, 1 shot on goal
Between the Pipes:
SHU: Luca Marinelli (L, 9-2-3) - 2 goals-against | 2 saves
SIENA: Bennet Glinder - 1 goals-against | 9 saves
How it Happened:
Siena took a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute when Lucas Almeida finished a pass from Martin Piedeleu inside the box. The Saints added a second goal on a PK in the 78th minute as Piedeleu made it 2-0.
Sacred Heart answered less than a minute later. David Garcia Gallego drove down the right side and sent a low ball across the area that Brady Poor redirected into the goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the 79th minute.
The Pioneers had a chance to equalize in the 89th minute after being awarded a penalty, but Ivan Morcillo's attempt was saved by Siena goalkeeper Bennet Glinder, allowing the Saints to hold on for the victory.
Of Note:
- Brady Poor scored his third goal of the season.
- Pios hosted the first-ever home MAAC championship match in program history
