Steubenville, OH- This past Saturday, the Christendom Men's Soccer team traveled to Steubenville, Ohio to take on NCAA opponent Franciscan University. The Barons of Franciscan Ultimately defeated the Crusaders by a score of 6-2. 

The first half got off to a very rough start for the Crusaders. Franciscan, who had been struggling offensively in the early part of their season, came out on fire. They found the back of the net three times in the first five minutes, two of them coming off follow-ups after saved shots, with the third coming off an incredible volley from outside the box. The Barons would score one more goal before Christendom would find their groove in the game. Christendom controlled the ball much better in the latter part of the first half, leading to a goal from Ethan Robertson(Sophomore/Winchester, VA) off a rebound from a shot from Mark LaRochelle(Senior/Napa,CA). After one more Franciscan goal, the Crusaders were on the attack again, leading to a beautiful shot from outside the box from Santiago Pardo Gasque(Senior/Mexico City, MX) coming on an assist from Nicholas Foeckler(Senior/Manassas,VA). The score was 5-2 in favor of the Barons heading into the half. 

The second half was a much less action-packed half from the first, with the lone goal of the second half coming from Franciscan. The play defensively in the second half was much better than the first, led in the back line primarily by Daniel Duca(Senior/Fauquier,VA) and Michael Townsend(Freshman/Nokesville, VA). John Paul Vander Woude(Sophomore/Nokesville,VA) came down from the midfield helping out the defense, making some good defensive plays as well. 

The Crusaders play Potomac State at WVU next on Thursday, September 23, looking to avenge the loss.