WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Red Flash top FDU 1–0 to secure a playoff spot in the NEC tournament with a statement victory.
>> Harry Elmore scored the game-winning goal on a brilliant team attack, while goalkeeper Diego Garciarena made an outstanding 13 saves to preserve the shutout throughout the match.
>> With the win, the Red Flash remain undefeated at home in NEC play and continue to hold the No. 1 spot in the conference.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The early goal set the tone for the Red Flash, who maintained the 1–0 lead throughout the match behind numerous standout defensive efforts and key saves that kept FDU off the scoreboard.
The decisive sequence began when Julian Quiroga made a clean, game-changing slide tackle and was fouled, but the referee allowed play to continue. Elmore initiated a precise team play, connecting with Alex De Nittis, who delivered a perfect ball to Thero Mitchell III. Mitchell's cross found Elmore on the run, allowing him to finish a beautiful counterattack that ultimately decided the match.
FLASH MOMENTS
Elmore nearly doubled the Red Flash lead 14 minutes into the match, forcing a deflection off the FDU goalkeeper that sailed just over the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Garciarena was outstanding throughout, keeping FDU off the scoreboard with a series of crucial saves. He made an early stop in the 22nd minute, followed by another just before the 30th minute to preserve the 1–0 lead. Garciarena earned his third save of the first half in the 37th minute and closed the half with two more in the 39th and 41st minutes, totaling five vital stops before halftime.
He carried his form into the second half with a diving save in the 52nd minute, then another in the 60th minute to tie his career high with seven saves. Garciarena nearly recorded consecutive saves in the 69th and 70th minutes and continued his remarkable performance with stops in the 72nd and 76th minutes. The final test came in the 86th minute, when Garciarena came up huge to preserve the 1–0 lead and secure the victory for the Red Flash.
FLASH NUGGETS
The freshman, Elmore scored his first career goal for the Red Flash, also his first collegiate goal, providing the game-winner in the 1–0 victory over FDU.
Garciarena set a new career high with 13 saves, earning the shutout and keeping the Red Flash in front for nearly the entire match.
The Red Flash has clinched a postseason berth for the fourth-straight season and are looking to claim a home playoff game for the third-consecutive campaign.
NEXT ON TAP
The Red Flash hit the road for their final regular-season trip, visiting Stonehill on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 3:00 p.m. at W.B. Mason Stadium in North Easton, Mass.
Saint Francis earned a 2–0 victory over the Skyhawks last season in Loretto and carries a 2-0-1 all-time record in the series. The Red Flash will look to extend their unbeaten streak against Stonehill as NEC play continues to intensify.
