Robert Morris men’s soccer earn hard-fought 2-1 win over Saint Francis

RMU men’s soccer team secured their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Saint Francis.

Freshman Lucas Barsoee netted the game-winning goal from the penalty spot in the second half, marking his first career goal.

With this win, the Colonials, who played the last 20-plus minutes of the match down a man, improve to 1-1-1 for the 2024 season.

How It Happened 

RMU struck early, with Chase Gilley finding the back of the net in the seventh minute.

Building play from the midfield, Lucas Barsoee connected with Pedro Amadou, who fed the ball to Anass Hadran in the box. Hadran then laid it off to Gilley just outside the box, who rifled a shot off the crossbar and in.

Beautiful drop pass by Anass Hadran and a beautiful finish by Chase Gilley!

Colonials up 1-0‼️ pic.twitter.com/6pgwO0SF5n

— RMU Men's Soccer (@RMUMSoccer) September 4, 2024

The Red Flash responded 11 minutes later with a long-range strike from Fabian Wagner, leveling the score at 1-1.

After the early goals, the remainder of the half was scoreless, with RMU posting five more shots and SFU recording six.

The game grew more physical in the second half, with both Victor Koah and Kai McLoughlin receiving yellow cards in the 65^th minute.

Shortly after, Saint Francis took a foul as Barsoee was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty kick.  Barsoee converted the penalty, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner to give RMU the lead.

Colonials take the lead‼️ First career goal for Lucas Barsoee😎 pic.twitter.com/D3EgFDZBNG

— RMU Men's Soccer (@RMUMSoccer) September 4, 2024

With 21 minutes left, McLoughlin was shown a second yellow card, reducing RMU to 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Despite being a man down, the Colonials shifted to a 4-4-1 formation and successfully defended their lead, allowing just one more shot on goal to secure the win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Saint Francis outshot RMU 16-10, with both teams managing six shots on target. The Red Flash committed more fouls, 9-5. For graduate forward Chase Gilley, it was his 13th career goal, while Anass Hadran picked up his eighth career assist and now leads the team with three this season.

FRESHMAN FIRSTS
Hailing from Roskilde, Norway, Lucas Barsoee made his first career goal a memorable one, scoring the game-winner that propelled the Colonials to victory. French native Pedro Amadou also registered his first career assist on Gilley’s strike, adding to the list of freshmen contributions.

UP NEXT
The Colonials continue their homestand, hosting Mercyhurst on Sunday, September 8 at 4:00 PM.

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).