STEUBENVILLE- It was a tough game for the injury-riddled Barons of Franciscan University's men's soccer team on Saturday evening. The Barons face Penn State Behrend, the fourth ranked team in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, losing 7-0 at home.

"We have to give lots of credit to Behrend," said assistant coach Ward Rogers. "They are a very good team. We gave away some early goals which set us back on our heels. We were playing from behind early on.

"We have a lot of injuries to some key players that are difficult to overcome. But our guys gave a real good effort and despite being short-handed, we didn't quit," he said.

The Lions scored three quick goals in the first half of the men's soccer match before Franciscan's head coach Johann Marin pulled goalie David Almedia, suffering from a practice injury, to substitute in Steve Duran. Duran, a team captain, was the AMCC preseason co-player of the year as a forward, but has had limited playing time this season due to an injury. But with several other players unable to play, Duran was forced to play in goal for the Barons. Penn State Behrend would score once more in the half to make the score 4-0.

The second half continued to be a struggle for Franciscan. The Barons, who were outshot 10-3 in the first half, went shot-for-shot with Behrend in the second but were unable to score. The Lions scored three more times to finalize the score 7-0.

"We have a day off," said Rogers, "and we will look to recover and reorganize and be prepared for Penn State Altoona."

Franciscan hits the road this Tuesday, October 12, to face AMCC opponent Penn State Altoona. Game time is 8 p.m.