The Red Flash were named the NEC Regular Season Champions after defeating Howard in a 3-0 shutout in Washington, D.C. Maximus Rigby and Fabian Wagner contributed to Saint Francis' scoring efforts last Thursday.
 
This is just the second time in program history that the team has been named Regular Season Champions (2014) and the first time ever that a Red Flash team has been undefeated. The Red Flash ended the regular season as one of two teams in the nation with an unbeaten record (SIUE).
 
Saint Francis also collected three Major NEC Yearly Awards with Jordaine Jaeger earning Goalkeeper of the Year, Tom Schellbach being named Defensive Player of the Year and Mads Kaiser with the honor of Coaching Staff of the Year. Jaeger and Schellbach join Julian Jakopovic on the All-Conference First Team. Joschi Schelb and Wagner were named to the All-Rookie Team.

THE WORD ON THE PIONEERS
Sacred Heart finished the regular season 6-7-3 overall and 3-2-3 in conference play under the direction of first year head coach Anthony Anzevui. Sacred Heart most recently played No. 5 Merrimack in the first round of the NEC Tournament where the Pioneers advanced to the Semifinals on penalty kicks, 5-4.
 
Sophomore David Garcia Gallego leads the Pioneers offensively with four goals and four assists on the season, while registering 22 shots on goal. The midfielder was named to the NEC's All-Conference Second Team. Senior forward Olliver Persson has five goals on the season and is tied ninth in the conference in goals. Graduate student defender Etienne Murugarren has been an anchor for the Pioneers backline leading the team in minutes played. Murugarren was named to the NEC's All-Conference First Team.
 
Goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley has been a staple in net for the Pioneers this season recording five shutouts and allowing 21 goals. The graduate student collected the match-winning save on the fifth penalty kick in Sunday's match.
 
The Pioneers were voted to finish fourth in the NEC's Preseason Coaches Poll.

LAST TIME WE MET
Just a little over two weeks ago, the Red Flash and the Pioneers met for their regular season match. Saint Francis defeated Sacred Heart 2-0 on the road from a Rigby brace.

Saint Francis leads the all-time regular season series against Sacred Heart 20-4-2 with matches dating back to 1999. The last time the Red Flash played the Pioneers in Loretto, Sacred Heart posted a 1-0 shutout in 2022.
 
Last season, Saint Francis fell 1-0 to Sacred Heart in the first round of the NEC Tournament in Connecticut. The Pioneers then lost to No. 1 seeded FDU in the Semifinals, 3-0.
 
Thursday's matchup will be the fourth time the two teams will be meeting in the post season. The Red Flash are 2-1 against the Pioneers in the tournament.

UP NEXT
The winner of Thursday's match will advance to play in the 2023 NEC Championships Sunday, November 12. The highest remaining seed will host the Championship.