WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis men's soccer opened its 2025 campaign on the road against Xavier, falling 3–0 in the first-ever meeting between the two programs on Thursday.
>> Freshman
Thero Mitchell III led the Red Flash offense with three shots on goal in his collegiate debut
>> Goalkeeper Braeden Sorensen recorded six saves.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The match shifted quickly in the first half when Xavier scored two goals in nearly five minutes, creating an early deficit for Saint Francis. The home side then added a third tally before halftime, holding momentum for the remainder of the match and leaving the Red Flash with little room to mount a comeback.
FLASH MOMENTS
Mitchell's debut performance stood out as he created multiple scoring chances, including three shots on target, two of which came late in the second half.
Sorensen's six saves throughout the night were pivotal in keeping the Red Flash within reach.
FLASH NUGGETS
The season opener featured several collegiate debuts and first starts for the Red Flash. Along with Mitchell, freshmen
Connor O'Keefe,
Ryan Seaman, and
Nathan Katari all earned their first collegiate starts. Meanwhile,
Julian Quiroga,
Harry Elmore,
Alejandro Escobar, and Brandon Napoleon made their collegiate debuts off the bench.
This match also marked the first time in program history that Saint Francis faced Xavier, adding a new opponent to the team's competitive history.
It was the eighth time Saint Francis opens the season against a big conference school, and the first since ending in a scoreless draw against North Carolina State in 2011. The squad has also played its inaugural game of the season against Penn State (1998, 2009), Pittsburgh (1999), West Virginia (2000), and Michigan State (2004, 2008).
NEXT ON TAP
The Red Flash will return to Loretto for its home opener at Stokes Soccerplex on Thursday, August 28 at 2 p.m., where it will host St. Bonaventure.
