Box score

The University of Scranton men's soccer team had some early chances to jump ahead against Moravian on Saturday, but could not take advantage. It wound up costing the Royals in a 2-0 loss in the Landmark Conference opener for both schools at Fitzpatrick Field.

The Royals (5-3-0, 0-1-0 Landmark) had three shots from close range in the 17th minute, but two were blocked and one hit the crossbar. In total, Scranton had six shots and six corner kicks in the opening 25 minutes, but was unable to come away with a goal.

Moravian (6-1-1, 1-0-0) capitalized with a header goal on a throw-in in the 39th minute, then added the insurance tally on a busted play in the 73rd minute.

The game was a rough one, featuring 30 fouls – 15 on each team – and nine total cards. Scranton received five yellow cards while Moravian received three yellow cards and a straight red card. All nine cards came in the second half.

Scranton finished the game with a 17-8 edge in shots. Senior forward Connor Casey (Hatfield, Pa./LaSalle College H.S.) led the team with four shots while junior defender Michael Donnelly (Mahopac, N.Y./John F. Kennedy) and freshman forward Matt Bolock (Cresco, Pa./Pocono Mountain East) had three each.

The Royals also had an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The men's soccer team will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 27, when the Royals host Wilkes in a non-conference matchup at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.

--ROYALS--