Shorthanded #RMU Men's Soccer Fall In Season Opener  #PGHSoccer

From Robert Morris Athletics Reports 
Moon Township, Pa. (Aug. 26, 2016) – Forced to play a man down for over 82 minutes, the Robert Morris University men’s soccer team lost its season opener, 4-0, to visiting Niagara University Friday afternoon at North Athletic Complex.
 
Early in the contest, a long ball by the Purple Eagles created a breakaway chance. RMU starting goalkeeper Winter Fondi came charging off his line and slid for the ball, but the attacking Niagara player went to the ground and Fondi was issued a red card just 7:49 after kickoff.
 
Matt Bisceglia came in to net for the now man-down Colonials and stopped the resulting penalty kick. The rebound, however, ended up in the back of the net as Shiquan Lowe reached the carom first. Still reeling from the red card, the Colonials allowed another score just 72 seconds later as Solorio Absalom sent a low hard cross into the box and Mackenzie Roach had an easy finish from just six yards out.
 
Absalom added another goal of his own in the 17th minute, this time stealing the ball from a defender along the left wing. He streaked in all alone and toe-poked a finish into the right side netting to make it a 3-0 game.
 
The Purple Eagles added a fourth goal in the 50th minute when Borna Juracic sent a ball to midfield for Roach. With one touch, Roach beat his defender and streaked in alone from 40 yards out before slotting a shot low and left.
 
After the rough start, the Colonials controlled play for much of the second half despite being a man down and showed signs of solid ball possession. Their best chance to score came off a corner kick in the 55th minute. Lucas Puntillo’s service into the box was headed on goal by Eddie Thomas. The shot beat Niagara keeper Steve Casey before it was cleared off the line to preserve the clean sheet for Niagara.
 
The Purple Eagles held a 12-7 advantage in shots and Casey finished with three saves for the shutout. Fondi made one stop and Bisceglia tallied four saves.
 
Robert Morris returns to North Athletic Complex Sunday, Aug. 28, when it hosts Cleveland State in a 1:00 p.m. match.
— 

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).