MARIETTA, OH – Despite strong all around play, the Franciscan men's soccer team fell 3-0 to Marietta in both teams' season opener, Friday night.

"Obviously you hate to lose, but we were excited to see how much our guys have grown during preseason," remarked first-year head coach Christian Bobak. "It was a really good objective test for us. Today was our first real game and it was promising to see the guys hustle and play well." 

The Pioneers did jump out to an early 1-0 lead 11:21 in the first half but the defensive line buckled down and held Marietta to just four shots for the rest of the half.

"Our defensive line played really well tonight especially Joseph Leonardi, Tim Piory, Dominic Vander Woude and Cuyler Ledyard," complimented coach Bobak. "They hustled and played well together. Thomas Dosedel had a good game in goal." 

The Barons had their two best scoring chances late in the first half, first off a shot from Michael Bobak that was saved and Pioneer goalie Sebastian Parra kept the shutout alive with a save off a shot from Leo James with less than five minutes to go before half time.

Marietta tacked on two more quick goals 13 minutes into the second half to put the hosts' up 3-0, a score that would stand for the rest of the game. 

"We could have done a better job moving the ball up the field, but we had a great individual effort from some of our forwards and they showed a lot of hustle—we just need to put it together." 

Marietta out-shot the Barons 14-8 and held a 13-1 advantage in corner kicks.

"The fact that our boys are upset and this loss tonight and really except to play better and come away with a better result is encouraging and shows the direction we are headed. A lot of the younger guys stepped in and kept the pace going tonight and that was good to see," concluded coach Bobak.

Franciscan looks to even its record as the Barons return home to host Thiel on Saturday, September 3 at 3:15 pm.