Box Score
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - A goal in the 53rd minute from sophomore midfielder Nahuel Medina gave the LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team a 1-0 victory against Saint Francis University Sunday afternoon at LIU Field on Alumni Day.
The Red Flash (9-3-3, 2-1-1 NEC), who sat in the second spot the Northeast Conference standings coming into the game, outshot the Blackbirds (5-7-1, 2-1-0 NEC) 14-8. It was no matter, however, as strong effort in the backfield prevented Saint Francis from finding the back of the net.
The action took place mostly in the midfield in the first 10 minutes of the match, before a header shot from junior forward Brice Merwine went above the net. The Blackbirds had a couple of chances starting in 20th minute, as sophomore midfielderBrian Alumbaugh launched a shot on goal. Four minutes later, junior defender Tyler Draovitch and sophomore midfielder Tanner Sica gave Red Flash goalkeeper Daniel Valcikak some work to do, with their back-to-back shots on goal.
The Blackbirds would not take any shots the remainder of the first half, but were able to head into halftime on an even playing field.
LIU Brooklyn returned in the second 45 minutes with a surge of energy, keeping the ball down near the Saint Francis goal.
After the Blackbirds earned two corner kicks with no result, Medina struck in the 53rd minute. Valcikak first made the save on the initial shot from the sophomore, but Medina was able to rebound the ball from Valcikak and send it into the net to push the Blackbirds up, 1-0.
Saint Francis attempted to notch the equalizer for the remainder of the second half, but the Blackbirds kept the Red Flash from getting the result. SFU had a chance near the 83rd minute, but redshirt freshman goalkeeper Logan Keys made the save as the Blackbirds won their second- straight conference match. Keys finished the day with four saves.
Medina earned the Colin Fowles award after the game. The award is given to the MVP of the alumni game and is named after former Blackbird Colin Fowles.
The Blackbirds continue their home series this Friday, when they host Bryant at LIU Field at 4:00 p.m.