HAMBURG, NY — Strong winds and a defensive breakdown resulted in a tough loss for the Franciscan University men's soccer team to Hilbert College this afternoon. Despite, a halftime score of 6-0, however, the Barons rallied to play better in the second half, only letting in one goal to make the final tally 7-0.

"The first thirty minutes was all them," FUS head coach Ward Rogers said. "They pressured us and we turned the ball over, every turnover resulting in a goal."

Strong head winds against the Barons added to the unfavorable circumstances of the first half, but a fresh start at halftime showed what the men were truly capable of.

"We started getting to the ball faster, our defenders marked their men closer, and we were able to hold the ball longer, which stopped their possession advantage," Rogers said.

Yet even with increased effort, the Barons were unable to get past Hilbert's goalkeeper and despite eleven shots on goal to Hilbert's six, finished the game scoreless.

"I think what you need to say after this game is that it could have been a real psychological problem. When you're down six goals after only thirty minutes the game can really get out of hand, but our boys really pulled it together and only let one goal in the rest of the way. That's a testament to them, because it says they were able to pull it together and really play hard," Rogers said.

As the team looks forward to their next game Rogers said they will need to find a balance between defensive positioning and offensive attack.

The Barons will take on La Roche College this Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 4pm.