Temple University Athletics
Owls Soar Past Saint Joseph's, 2-1
10.7.06 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 7, 2006
AMBLER, PA - The Temple men's soccer team earned its first Atlantic 10 Conference victory Saturday afternoon, beating city-rival Saint Joseph's, 2-1. The Owls jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first 17 minutes and were able to fend off the Hawks for the remainder of the contest. Temple improves to 2-8-1 (1-2-0) with the win, while Saint Joseph's falls to 1-9-1 (0-3-0).
Both teams had chances to score early in the first half. Senior Ryan Heins barely missed giving Temple the lead when his shot off a loose ball in the sixth minute was just wide of the net. Moments later, Owl sophomore goalkeeper Bryant Hosler made a nice play when he broke up a cross from Cliff Jones.
Freshman Mike Puppolo got Temple on the board in the 15th minute when he blasted a shot past Saint Joseph's goalkeeper Brian Benedict. Senior Matt Maher, who had missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury, sent a long pass to Heins, who found Puppolo in front of the Hawk goal.
The Owls, who have struggled mightily on offense this season, wasted no time adding to their lead. Just one minute later, sophomore defender James Suevo scored Temple's second goal when his header off freshman J.T. Noone's corner kick found the back of the net. Suevo's spectacular shot gave the Owls a 2-0 lead over a stunned Saint Joseph's squad.
Suddenly facing a two-goal deficit and with the Owls dictating the tempo, the Hawks faced an uphill battle. Saint Joseph's was able to push the ball up the field, but thanks to solid defensive play by Suevo and freshman Brant Hovington, Temple went into halftime with its shutout still intact.
The Hawks threatened early in the second half. Temple freshman Martin Dell'Arciprete made a nice play to knock away a cross, and Hosler made an acrobatic save on Dean Niedosik's header in the 59th minute. The Hawks finally cut into Temple's lead in the 68th minute when Jim Brown connected with Tom Johnson, who hit it home from 10 yards out.
Saint Joseph's had chances to even the score, but Hosler made two highlight-reel saves seconds apart to preserve the win for the Owls.
For the game, Hosler made three saves while Benedict made six for the Hawks.
Temple hits the road this weekend, traveling to Rhode Island Friday for an A-10 contest against the Rams. Game time is 3:00 p.m.
