Colonials earn first win of season, shut out LaSalle

From Robert University report 

Robert Morris’ men’s soccer team used a strong defensive effort and an early second-half goal to earn its first victory of the season, a 1-0 triumph over La Salle this afternoon from the North Athletic Complex.

Robert Morris (1-5-1, 0-0-0 NEC) limited La Salle (2-4-0, 0-0-0 A-10) to just two shot attempts in the second half, both coming in the final six minutes with the Colonials protecting a lead. Winter Fondi made three saves and cleared away a few dangerous crosses to post his second clean sheet of the season.

The Explorers had it edge in possession in the early stages, owning a 3-0 advantage in shot attempts over the first 18 minutes. RMU’s first scoring chance came in the 25th minute as Riccardo Rota was denied by Brett Werner after Cristian Palermo played him through with a low liner.

Fondi stepped up to make a save on Pat McCarthy a minute later, denying the La Salle midfielder at the crossbar. The Colonials then regained momentum shortly after, but none of their four attempts on goal made it past Werner.

The visitors couldn’t connect on a pair of corner kicks to begin the second half, shifting the flow back to RMU’s side. After Rota was stopped once again by Werner, the hosts earned a throw-in on the right sideline. The ball made its way to Guilherme Fanck, who carried it with his left foot before ripping a skirting shot just inside the far right post for the match’s opening goal.

RMU had a great opportunity to double its lead in the 68th minute. Onando Collins blew past his defender on the counter and played it forward to Lorenzo Guagneli. Guagneli then found Roald Aas Ravlum on the left flank, but another Explorer stepped in to clear just as Ravlum was about to shoot.

La Salle’s final attempt on goal came in the 88th minute as a header by Fridtjof Andberg was calmly collected by Fondi.

Fondi’s eighth shutout of his career moves him into sole possession of seventh all-time at RMU.

For Fanck, the goal was his first in Colonial colors. The junior forward previously tallied 21 in 27 contests at Campbellsville (Ky.) University.

Robert Morris begins a four-match road trip on Wednesday, Sept. 19 when it makes the short drive into the city to face Duquesne.