BOX SCORE LORETTO, Pa. (September 25, 2014) – Saint Francis U men's soccer defeated Hartford 1-0 Thursday afternoon at Stokes Soccerplex improving their record to 5-3-0.
 
Francis de Vries (Christchurch, New Zealand/Cashmere) headed home the game winner in the 13th minute for the Red Flash. de Vries received the ball from midfielder Pablo Medina (Monterrey, Mexico/IMG Academies)'s brilliant corner kick.
 
The Hawks made a strong late push for the equalizer with eight shots in the final 10 minutes, but failed to put one in the back of the net.
 
Red Flash keeper Andrew Garcia (Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional), who picked up his fifth win, collected a season high six saves in the shutout.
 
The game was also Garcia's fourth shutout.
 
"It was a great result, 1-0 at home against a good side is always positive," said head coach Michael Casper "I thought we started the game exceptionally well today.  We brought the game to them and looked as good as we have all season for the first 25 minutes or so.  Francis took his goal well off a terrific serve from Pablo and we had a deserved lead.  In the 2nd half Hartford put us under a lot of pressure and we dropped back a bit and gave them too much time and space.  We have to be a bit better in these situations to continue to impose our style of play and control the game.  That being said, I thought Andrew Garcia (Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Regional) played tremendously well."
 
Conner Rezende () led the Red Flash in shots with three. Ryan Byers (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) added two more and Dominic Ramirez (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop), Mitch Kavlick (Erie, Pa./Erie McDowell) and de Vries all attempted one.
 
Hardford outshot Saint Francis 16-8.
 
Hartford's Javoni Simms led all players with five shots, three that were on goal.
 
The Red Flash are back in action on Sunday September 28th when they travel to Buffalo, N.Y. to face Canisius College. Canisius is 4-2 entering Friday.
 
"The whole team battled hard to keep the clean sheet and get the win.  Now, we understand we have a quick turn around and have to get ready for a very good Canisius side," coach Casper said.