Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University men's soccer team closed the 2016 season with a 1-0 defeat to in-state rival Saint Francis University this afternoon in Northeast Conference (NEC) play.
Saint Francis U (11-5-2, 4-1-2 NEC) grabbed the game-winning goal late in the first half and gave Robert Morris (4-11-2, 1-5-2 NEC) little opportunity for an equalizer as the Red Flash held an 8-1 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes.
Neither team could gain an advantage over the majority of the first half, but SFU began to take charge of the match in the 38th minute. Tulio Canineu made a nice run in the box and ripped a shot at a charging Winter Fondi, who managed to deflect it away. However, Canineu had another crack at goal two minutes later and converted, tucking a low roller just inside the far post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
RMU kept the game at 1-0 in the 83rd minute thanks to Jake Cooper, who darted to the goal to clear a Renan Fuentes attempt off the line. The Colonials' best chance at the tying goal came three minutes later as Rafael Bruzual, who came on in the 80th minute as an offensive-minded substitute, forced Marcus Rojas into a save.
Fondi made four saves in the loss.
Prior to the contest, RMU recognized the careers of seniors Brian Alumbaugh and Curran Edland.
Robert Morris finishes the season at 4-11-2.
