LORETTO, Pa. – (Sept. 1, 2013) The Saint Francis U men's soccer team powers past Canisius, 4-1 in a physical home opener.

Collecting his second game winner, Nick Kolarac (Pittsburgh, Pa./West Allegheny) scored off a Ryan Byers (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) assist. Byers dribbled deep into Golden Griffins (1-1) territory sending a perfect through-ball to Kolarac, who put the ball home giving the Red Flash (2-0) a 2-0 lead.

"Great performance by the boys" said head coach Michael Casper. Putting four goals in the back of the net is a great thing anytime you can do it. The guys played hard and put forth a really good effort.

Saint Francis controlled the game 1-0 in the first half on a pair of surprising freshman efforts. Forward Stefan Sjekloca (Belgrade, Serbia/Fryeburg Academy)'s high arching goal from defender Matt Loughnane (Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Trafford) cleared Canisius's keeper John Hollinger's out reached hands giving SFU the momentum going in the second half.

Four minutes into the second half the Red Flash struck again on Byers deep cross into Golden Griffin turf connecting with senior David Trunzo (State College, Pa./State College) to cushion the Red Flash led 3-0. 

"Byers came in and changed the game for us" said Coach Casper. His play led to two goals that gave us that nice three-goal cushion. Nick and Trunzo slotted them home nicely, but he defiantly changed the play of the game with his movement and assists.

Midfielder Chris Berardi scored the lone goal for Canisius on a through ball from Maier Derek, barely passing Andrew Garcia (Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional)'s out stretched hands, cutting SFU's lead 3-1.

Controlling the ball throughout the game Saint Francis's Kolarac scored his second goal of the game, third on the season, on a 25-foot blast over Hollinger from sophomore forward Andrew Hajec (Corry, Pa./Corry).

Tied at 11, neither team had an edge in shots attempted. Canisius had six corner kicks to SFU's two. The Red and White led the game physically doubling Canisius in fouls 21-8.

Yellow cards were issued to Shaun Russell (Chesapeake, Va./Norfolk Collegiate) and Andrew Hajec (Corry, Pa./Corry) for Saint Francis. Wallis Debourou (Cotonou, Benin/Blair Academy) received a red card for SFU.

Saint Francis hits the road to face Bucknell on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.