Franciscan 2, Mount Union 3

Starting XI
Zachary Muldoon, Aidan Henninger, Joseph St. George, Augustine Rubino, Anthony Venditti, Jonathan Schriner, Julien Freeman, Joshua Atkinson, Lucas Cross, Ryan Miller, & Goalkeeper - Aiden Miller 

How It Happened 
    It felt like a game just like any other. The Barons grab an early lead then shut the door relying on their defensive prowess. In the 32', the reigning PAC Offensive Player of the Year Cross opened up the scoring with his seventh goal of the season. What wasn't supposed to be a part of the script was the Purple Raiders hitting back with back-to-back goals in the 36'. 
    In the second half, the Raiders extended their lead 3-1. Cross scored his eighth goal of the year, but in the 80' there wasn't much time left to get a third. There was a glimmer of a chance in the 87'. The Barons had two corner kick opportunities. The second chance, Schriner got his foot on it, but hit the post. 
    This matchup was a tough 1-3 loss for the Barons at home last year. This year's performance shows improvement on a team that is currently sitting 3rd in the OAC. The Barons have one more non-conference matchup against an historically powerhouse program in PS Behrend before they begin PAC play. This team has flashed moments of greatness and the Franciscan community sees it. In their home match last weekend against Marietta, the men's soccer team set a new high for livestream viewers for a game at 700. If you haven't had the opportunity to watch in person or online, I suggest not waiting too long. They are at home this Saturday, but only have five more regular season home matches after that. 
    To stay up to date on the ins and outs of Franciscan Men's Soccer, check out their brand new Baron Broadcast airing on the Franciscan Men's Soccer YouTube channel. Check out the first episode below.

Inside the Numbers  
-Cross' 8 goals sits him at 4th in the nation in goals and goals per game (1.33)
-A. Miller made 9 saves
-Ryan Miller had the only assist for the Barons on Cross' second goal

Inside the Numbers  
-Cross' 8 goals sits him at 4th in the nation in goals and goals per game (1.33)
-A. Miller made 9 saves
-Ryan Miller had the only assist for the Barons on Cross' second goal

Who's Next?
Franciscan will return home to host Penn State Behrend on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. This will be the 18th time that these two teams have played each other since 2008. Last season, the Lions won by a score of 1-0 in Erie. A lone first half goal would be enough, as Jax Mautone would have an eight save performance in net. The Lions are coming into the matchup after losing to Grove City 1-0 and tying Chatham 1-1. 

Men's Soccer Fall ID Camp
Franciscan Men's Soccer is excited to offer an ID camp for aspiring college athletes on Sunday, November 17th. The camp is open to athletes entering 9th-12th grade this Fall. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training from the men's soccer coaching staff as well as interact with current players. Campers will participate in a typical Franciscan training session and gain an understanding of the competitive and challenging environment of collegiate athletics. For more information and to register click here

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