Soccer splits at tourney: Men’s soccer plays at Drexel Invitational

By Amanda King
Collegian Reporter
September 13, 2006

This weekend was a roller coaster ride for the men’s soccer team as they participated in the Drexel Invitational.

The Explorers battling in a game from last season.

On Friday they faced off against Howard University. Minute five of play brought the first goal from Howard’s Nasheed Sabree. This goal was the only one on the scoreboard until La Salle junior Joe Heavey headed a ball into the back of the net in minute 39 off of a great pass from sophomore Jim Davis.

“We tried to outplay them, but it was the second half that got us,” Heavey said.

With 30 minutes left to play in the second half, Howard’s Jason Gross earned his second assist with a pass to Joel Senior to score what would be the only goal of the second half. This gave the win to Howard by a score of 2-1.

Sunday brought game two of the Invitational. In this game, the Explorers faced off against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Both teams brought the heat throughout the first half. It was a constant battle as it went on scoreless.

“I thought we outplayed them; we were definitely hitting them hard with multiple shots,” Heavey said.

In minute 63 of play, La Salle sophomore Brian Barry sent a cross to junior Mike Lehr, who was able to get the shot past the UMBC goalie. This not only gave the Explorers the lead; it caused a mental setback for UMBC.

Their defense loosened up again for the second Explorer goal. Just one minute and three seconds after the first goal, junior Walter McMahon found junior Jeremy Ortiz who scored a goal to bring the score to 2-0.

“Everything fell in our favor completely in the second half,” said Heavey.

The Explorers went 1-1 during the Drexel Invitational, bringing their overall record to 2-3. They will hit the field again on Wednesday night against Bucknell.

kinga3@lasalle.edu