ST. CATHARINE, Ky. – After picking up its first win of the season to even its conference record last time out, men's soccer couldn't carry that momentum into St. Catharine and fell, 3-0. The Patriots (5-4, 1-1 MSC) went up early with a first half goal and tacked on two in the second half to down the Bears (1-7, 1-2 MSC) on Saturday.
The Patriots held a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal during the opening 45 minutes, but three saves by reigning MSC Defensive Player of the Week Thomas Carbonari kept the game manageable at just a one-goal deficit. St. Catharine would apply the pressure to the Bears' defense early with a pair of shots that went wide in the opening seven minutes. In the 10th minute, the Patriots would put their first attempt on goal as Marvin Wesselburg converted the chance from close range to put his squad up 1-0.
Within four minutes of conceding the opening goal, SSU's defense had little time to think about the early deficit as Carbonari was called on to make three saves to prevent the game from getting out of hand early. Luke Purpero and Chad Johnston would send Shawnee State's first two shots wide. Purpero would also have another shot saved, culminating a fast-paced opening few minutes.
The Bears would play a much more even half in the second as each side took five shots. However, the Patriots would make the most of their chances and put two of those opportunities away. To open the second half, each side would send a shot over the crossbar in the first two minutes. In addition to his shot that missed high, Joseph Webster got a second look as he also sent a shot wide just a minute later.
In the 68th minute, St. Catharine would extend its lead as Isaac Blanford found the back of the net from just about five yards inside the 18. The Bears would send another shot wide and Purpero would have his second shot on goal saved to nullify any Bears' scoring chances. St. Catharine would add the third goal with just 13 minutes to play as Ashley Woods tallied off the assist from Blanford.
Purpero led the team with three shots, including the only two shots on goal in the game. Webster and Johnston each added two shots to the score sheet, while Brady Winland and Dylan Stevens each had one attempt. In goal, Carbonari saved three of his five shots during his 73:45 of playing time. He was then subbed out for Cory Wright, who played the remaining 16:15 in net.
The Bears will have another quick turnaround as they have grown accustom to this season. They will be back in action Sunday at 1 p.m. on their home turf against Anderson (Ind.) University. Tomorrow's game will begin a stretch of four straight games on the Shawnee Turf after concluding a string of three straight games on the road.
