Men's Soccer Drops 3-2 Decision to Fisher in Home Opener

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—An early second-half goal from visiting Fisher College would spoil St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) men's soccer home opener as the Bears suffered a 3-2 defeat on Wednesday afternoon at Aviator Sports and Events Center.

The Falcons (1-4) pick up their first win of the season and level the all-time series against the Bears (1-1) in the second meeting of the two schools.

The opening 45 minutes went back-and-forth with both squads trading goals. Freshman Jacob West struck first for the Falcons in the 21st minute, a ball that deflected off goalie Michael Miner (Schenevus, N.Y./Schenevus) but still found its way into the back of the net.

Junior Thomas Hamier (Middletown, Del./Middletown) leveled the game at 1-1 in the 30th minute, notching his first goal in a Bears uniform with another ball that was initially stopped by the goalie but snuck into the lower left corner.

Fisher took the lead again in the 39th minute on a Tyler Gahara flick over Miner, but a Michael Ortiz (Brooklyn, N.Y./Christ the King) shot just inside the left post, his first collegiate goal, sent both teams into the lockers tied at 2-2.

Just three minutes into the second stanza, senior Matthew Miller notched the game-winner launching a shot from distance that made its way through the defense and inside the left post.

The Bears pressed on in the half, but couldn't find the equalizer despite several opportunities.

Fisher held a 17-14 advantage in shots for the contest and 6-2 edge in corner kicks. Miner finished with nine saves in a losing effort while Jose Villagran made five saves to earn his first win of the season.

St. Joseph's returns to action this Saturday, September 20 opening Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on the road against Culinary Institute of America starting at 1 p.m.