INDIANOLA, Pa. (Aug. 28, 2010) – The Saint Francis men's soccer team wrapped up the exhibition portion of its schedule by battling Big East power Pitt to a scoreless tie on Saturday afternoon in Indianola, Pa.

Red Flash freshman goalkeeper Thomas McWilliams (Mermaid Waters, Australia/Palm Beach Currumbin) (Queensland, Australia / Palm Beach Currumbin State) recorded five saves in playing all 90 minutes, his first collegiate action. Hami Kara and Matt Aberegg had one save each for the Panthers.

Saint Francis completed its exhibition schedule with an 0-1-1 record, and will kick off the 2010 season with a 7:30 p.m. contest on Wednesday night at in-state non-conference rival Duquesne.

“We battled, and I am very proud of our defensive effort,” said Saint Francis head coach Michael Casper. “It is always good to get a shutout. Now we have to get better with our attack to score some goals, but it was a positive step forward from the last game.”

Pitt held a 13-8 advantage in shots, and a 6-1 edge in corner kicks. The Panthers were whistled for 11 fouls, while the Red Flash were called for eight. SFU was called for three offsides, and Pitt was called for one.

Senior Patrick Fleming (Dunedin, New Zealand/Bayfield) (Dunedin, New Zealand / Bayfield) led Saint Francis with three shots, while junior Sean O'Reilly (Front Royal,Va./Seton) (Front Royal, Va. / Seton) had two.

For periodic men's soccer updates and other Red Flash news, follow Director of Athletic Communications Bob Volkert on Twitter at SFUVolkert.