PITTSBURGH, PA- Despite a solid performance by the defense and a dominate showing in the second half, Baron soccer was unable to overcome a two goal deficit to La Roche College losing 3-1. Franciscan's lone goal came late in the first half from junior midfielder Jesse Saltarelli assisted by freshman midfielder Cuyler Ledyard.

"We didn't have as many shots on goal because we were a little more patient working the ball around," head coach Rogers said. "We had some really good opportunities; we just couldn't connect with the final ball."

The Redhawks were first on the board when a La Roche forward received the ball at the top of the penalty box and sent a shot to the far post. Keeping their composure Franciscan continued to work the ball patiently through the midfield looking for chance to strike.

The Barons found their chance late in the second half. Working the ball up the wing into the corner, Ledyard passed it forward to Saltarelli who cut across the middle of the box and hammered it into the left side of the net for a Baron goal.

The Redhawks responded by pressuring the Baron defense and working the ball down the wings. Franciscan was unable to hold off the offensive attack. La Roche scored their second goal off an air ball at the end of the second half.

"They played very heavy in the middle of the field, and were creating a lot of pressure on the defense." Rogers said "We're constantly defending that ball in the air and we did a really good job defending the air balls, except in those two instances."

After making adjustments at half time by changing their offense formation, the Barons picked up the tempo of the game. They dominated the second half by working the ball up the field more quickly, and looked to tie the score.

"We were breaking them down a little today," Rogers said. "In the second half we were trying to play more direct, in order to get into the attacking end as quickly as we could."

With two minutes left in the game La Roche made a quick goal off a counter attack, going ahead 3-1 and ending any chance the Barons might have had at a comeback.

The defensive line played very well Rogers said. Especially: Peter Mooney, Peter Hermann, Brian Murray, Jace Vansteenburg and Luke Merry. Despite letting in goals, they shut down the La Roche forwards, by reading the offensive attack and reacting instead of waiting.

"Last year we didn't create enough scoring opportunities to win games, but this year we're creating those opportunities," Rogers said reflecting on the way the team played. "The guys are playing very well within our style of play. It's our way not their way."

The Barons travel to New York to face D'Youville College on Oct. 19, at 6pm.