WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> The Red Flash offense poured it on, scoring five goals in a dominant 5-1 daytime home win Thursday against the New Haven Chargers.
>> Diego Garciarena set a career high with seven saves.
>> Alex De Nittis finished with five points, including two goals and an assist, marking goals in back-to-back games.
>> Álvaro Planas scored twice in a span of just two minutes for his third and fourth goals of the season, also scoring in back-to-back games.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The Red Flash seized control early, scoring two first-half goals to carry a lead into the break, keeping the Chargers from building momentum. Saint Francis maintained pressure in the second half and never let up in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Twenty minutes into the match, De Nittis delivered a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box that forced an own goal for the Red Flash's first tally. De Nittis added a penalty kick in the 29th minute to give Saint Francis a 2-0 lead at halftime.
In the 69th minute, Julian Quiroga had an individual run that set up a backheel assist from De Nittis, allowing Planas to finish and make it 3-0. Just two minutes later, Planas scored again on a long ball from Nathan Katari to push the lead to 4-0.
The Chargers answered in the 76th minute, cutting the lead to 4-1, but De Nittis capped the scoring with a solo effort after a takeaway to seal a 5-1 victory for the Red Flash.
FLASH MOMENTS
Garciarena came up big early, making the first real save of the game just 10 minutes in. He added two more saves in the 25th and 26th minutes, marking his third stop of the first half alone.
Saint Francis generated multiple scoring chances, including a Connor O'Keefe header in the 28th minute and a shot by Jonah Wolfin the 29th minute, which set up the Red Flash's penalty kick opportunity.
Garciarena continued his strong play in the second half, recording two saves in the opening minutes to preserve the two-goal lead. His standout moment came in the 60th minute with a spectacular stop, tying his career high with six saves on the day.
FLASH NUGGETS
De Nittis continues his hot streak, scoring in his third consecutive game and totaling 10 points over the last three contests, doubling his season point total with five points in today's win.
Quiroga recorded his first collegiate points with an assist on the Red Flash's third goal.
The Red Flash fielded their fifth straight starting lineup in NEC play, maintaining consistency across the squad.
Thursday marked the first-ever matchup between Saint Francis and New Haven, giving the Red Flash a strong debut against the Chargers.
NEXT ON TAP
The Red Flash hit the road to take on Howard on Sunday, Oct. 19, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The Red Flash hold a 12-1-1 all-time record against the Bison and will look to extend their dominance in the series.
