BOX SCORE NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – (Nov. 1, 2013) Manny Nobre's penalty kick goal was the difference maker Friday night as the Red Flash fell to the Central Connecticut State Blues Devils, 1-0, in a crucial Northeast Conference game. 

Saint Francis (10-4-3; 3-2-1) battled with the Blue Devils (8-7-1; 5-0) throughout the first period as neither team found the back of the net despite several opportunities on both sides. The Red Flash held a 3-to-1 advantage over the Central Connecticut in corner kicks, while the CCSU edged the Frankies in shots 6-to-5.

Nobre's game-winner came in the 55th minute of play proving to be the difference maker. The Flash pushed the pace the remainder of the game, while the Blue Devils defense shutdown every Saint Francis threat. Shaun Russell (Chesapeake, Va./Norfolk Collegiate)'s shot in the 89th minute was SFU's last hope, but CCSU's keeper skillfully rejected Russell's ball securing Central's victory and the number one seed in the NEC playoff race.

"This one really hurts because I thought we deserved more out of the game, but when you don't take your chances this kind of thing can happen," said Head Coach Michael Casper. "We find ourselves in a tough spot, but the one thing I know about this team and the character that I know we have in the locker room is that we will come out and be ready to take care of business next weekend."

The Red Flash were led by senior Nick Kolarac (Pittsburgh, Pa./West Allegheny) with three shots. Ryan Byers (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) had an impressive showing with two shots on goal. Six other Frankies recorded one shot in the nightcap.

Saint Francis keeper Daniel Valcicak (Herndon, Va./Gonzaga College) tallied fours saves in the match, totaling 66 saves on the year with a .880 save percentage.

Central Connecticut held a 15-to-11 advantage in shots, whereas SFU bested the Blue Devils 6-to-2 in corner kicks.

The men's soccer team returns to Loretto on the 15th of Nov. at 1 p.m. to wrap-up their regular season against the Colonials of Robert Morris.