Sept. 12, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.--The Navy Midshipmen handed the Saint Joseph's men's soccer team its first loss of 2008 after giving up a last minute goal in double-overtime. Substitute Sam Miller knocked home the game-winner with SJU just 28 seconds clear of safety, only to see Navy snatch a 1-0 victory on Finnesey Field Friday night.

In a spirited and passionate contest, SJU controlled major portions of the game, but seemed to tire in the second half. Evidence of fatigued began to show when the Hawks' 10-7 shooting edge went by the wayside late in the second half, where Navy was the aggressor finishing regulation with four quality chances on net.

After scoreless halves and nearly overtimes, Rocco Pozzessere committed a foul deep in SJU territory. Mark Garcia played a beautiful ball to an unmarked Miller who tucked the shot away from point-blank range past Hawk goalie Bryan Benedict (four saves).

Earlier in overtime, SJU had a wonderful opportunity when Colin Baker (four shots) broke loose on the left wing and was nearly one-on-one with Navy netminder Nolan Grebb (four saves), but Grebb was up to the task and preserved the shutout, his second of the season.

Just 11 minutes into the game, the Hawks had a splendid chance on net when Andrew Tursi raced along the right wing and had his shot saved by Grebb. The rebound went to Baker who pounced on the broken play but scooted the ball north of the crossbar, wasting an excellent opportunity to go up 1-0.

On the other side of the field, Benedict had some heroics of his own in the second half when Navy's Mike Porcelli was unchecked on the right wing and had his shot blocked by Benedict. Porcelli scooped up the remains but Benedict forced an odd angle on Porcelli and the Midshipman touched it over the bar.

For the match Navy outshot the Hawks 14-11 and had a 6-1 edge in corner kicks. SJU was also the more aggressive team, fouling 23 times to Navy's 19 and receiving four cautions.

SJU will return to action on September 24 when the Hawks travel to Fairfax, Virginia to take on George Mason.