Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. – The Robert Morris University men's soccer team saw its season come to an end this afternoon as the fourth-seeded Colonials fell to top-seeded St. Francis Brooklyn, 3-0, in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Tournament semifinals from a cold and blustery Brooklyn Bridge Park.
St. Francis Brooklyn (13-4-1, 6-0-1 NEC) scored in the second minute, putting the underdogs Robert Morris (4-11-3, 3-3-1 NEC) in an early hole. The Terriers doubled their lead before the end of the first half, and while the Colonials had their chances in the last 45 minutes to chip away at the deficit, the hosts added another late to seal the victory.
Ali Tounkara opened the scoring just 1:21 into the match as he freed himself near the far right post and finished a pass from Anthony Gimenes. Tounkara added St. Francis Brooklyn's second in the 31st minute off a feed from Sami Gliguem.
RMU had a prime scoring chance in the 54th minute as Owen Pearce played Keane McIvor into the box with a chip. McIvor let the ball settle before flicking a shot just off the wrong side of the post.
Jake Cooper and Bayley Winkel forced Roberto Bazzichetto into a pair of saves over a minute and a half span, giving the Colonials some momentum during the final 30 minutes. However, the Terriers answered by tightening up defensively and tallied a third goal with 1:01 remaining to send the hosts to the NEC Championship Game.
Winter Fondi made five saves in defeat.
Today marked the final collegiate games for Rafael Bruzual, Jake Cooper, Damian DiFlorio, Zach Graziani, Bennett Jull, Corey McCurdy, Keane McIvor, Eddie Thomas, and Bayley Winkel.
Robert Morris finishes the season with a 4-11-3 overall record.
