WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis men's soccer came up short in a 2–0 loss to Robert Morris at Stokes Soccerplex.
>> Volkan Celikkol created pressure in the attacking third, registering a shot and helping generate chances for the Red Flash.
>> Defender Connor O'Keefe contributed two shots, including one on goal, making his presence felt in the attacking third.
TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The momentum shifted in the 25th minute when Robert Morris found the back of the net, giving the visitors the edge heading into halftime. Saint Francis continued to push forward, but the Colonials added a second goal in the 60th minute to extend their advantage.
FLASH MOMENTS
Saint Francis generated several quality chances throughout the match. In the opening five minutes, Volkan Celikkol received a well-placed through ball from Julian Quiroga and delivered a dangerous cross into the box that was cleared by the Robert Morris defense at the last moment. With nearly five minutes to go in the first half, substitute Brendan French provided an immediate spark off the bench, creating a scoring opportunity with a ball played across the frame of goal that was collected by goalkeeper Josh Lane in the closing minutes before halftime. Celikkol continued to press in the second half, forcing a save in the 77th minute that nearly put the Red Flash on the board. Defensively, senior goalkeeper Braeden Sorensen added two saves to keep Saint Francis within striking distance.
FLASH NUGGETS
Prior to today's matchup, Saint Francis and Robert Morris had met 19 times since 2005, with the Red Flash holding a 10–7–2 edge in the all-time series. Saint Francis has been especially strong at home, compiling a 7–2–1 record at Stokes Soccerplex, and enjoyed its best stretch in the rivalry with five straight victories from 2013 to 2017.
NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis will travel to Baltimore on September 9 for a 6:00 p.m. matchup against Loyola Maryland at Ridley Athletic Complex. The Red Flash and Greyhounds are tied 2–2–2 in their all-time series, with Saint Francis winning the most recent meeting 2–0 on August 29, 2016. The rivalry has historically been tight, featuring two draws and no victory decided by more than two goals. This marks the first meeting in nearly a decade, and after the trip to Loyola, the Red Flash will not return home until September 23, when they host Bucknell at Stokes Soccerplex.
