Xavier University Athletics
Xavier University
La Salle
Xavier Men's Soccer Handed Tough Loss By La Salle, 3-0
11.05.10 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 5, 2010
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA - The Xavier men's soccer team was handed a 3-0 loss by La Salle Friday afternoon, reducing its chance at advancing into the conference's postseason championship.
The Musketeers fall to 7-6-3 and 4-4-0 in the Atlantic 10 with one game remaining. The Explorers improve to 7-6-3 and 5-2-1 in the conference and will face Dayton Sunday. The Musketeers must beat Fordham Sunday and rely on a series of conference results Friday night and Sunday to make the A-10 postseason tournament.
"This was a very disappointing day for obviously," head coach Andy Fleming said. "This is the first time all year that we have allowed more than two goals and to be honest we had pretty good command of the game for several stretches. However at this time of the year you can't blink and can't let your guard down."
Ryan Richter posted a hat trick for the Explorers. Richter, the conference's leading goal scorer with 13 total goals, scored in the 22nd, 25th and 56th minutes. His first goal came on a slip shot after a series of passes in front of the goal. His second came on a rebound, and his third a breakaway goal.
Despite the loss, Xavier still has a chance to reach the A-10 tournament. The Musketeers must beat Fordham Sunday and rely on a series of conference results Friday night and Sunday to make the A-10 postseason tournament.
"We still have a winning season and a playoff berth to compete for on Sunday," Fleming said. "We are only worried about ourselves and as always will look to shore up our defensive details, in addition to our mental approach."
The Musketeers managed 12 shots to La Salle's 14, but came up empty handed. Senior James Getzen led the Musketeers with four shots, including two on goal. Junior Ryan Gray had two of his three shots on goal as well, while sophomore Luke Spencer was held to just two shots. Richter paced the Explorers with five shots, four on goal.
Justin Marshall made three saves in 75 minutes of play and took the loss in net. John McCarthy was the winning goalkeeper for La Salle.
Kickoff against the Rams at Coffey Field will begin at 1 p.m.
