Temple University Athletics
Men's Soccer Earns A-10 Tournament Bye With 1-0 Win Over La Salle
11.9.08 | Men's Soccer
Nov. 9, 2008
AMBLER, PA - Junior midfielder J.T. Noone accounted for all of the scoring, converting a penalty kick in the 45th minute to lift Temple to a 1-0 win over city-rival La Salle at the Ambler Sports Complex Sunday afternoon. The Owls finish the regular season 10-4-4, claiming second place in the Atlantic 10 with a 6-1-2 conference record and an all-important bye in the A-10 Tournament that opens Thursday at Duquesne. La Salle ends its season 2-15-3, 1-8 in A-10 play.
It was Cherry and White forward Mike Puppolo who forced the penalty kick, as he was fouled by Explorers keeper Kyle Quigley on a battle for the ball inside the box. The Owls called on Noone, one of the top scorer's in the A-10, to take the kick. Noone beat Quigley to his left for the first and only tally of the afternoon. It was the junior midfielder's seventh goal of the season.
Temple controlled the pace for much of the second half while sophomore Brett Mollon turned in another solid performance in goal. Mollon made five saves in posting his ninth shutout, tying the Owls' single-season mark shared by current assistant coach Patrick Hannigan and (2003) and Jeff Kraft (1978, 1979, 1980). In his first full season with the Owls, Mollon has made 56 saves, allowing only 15 goals against.
After finishing 13th in the Conference in 2007 and 14th in 2006, Temple earned its highest seed since the league moved to one division in 1990. The Owls are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2004 and are looking for their first-ever Championship title.
Sophomore Kenechukwu Nwanah gave the Owls some offensive pressure off the bench, posting four shots with one on goal. Nwanah nearly netted the second goal of the game on a breakaway, but could not lift the ball over Quigley.
Prior to the game, Owls seniors James Suevo and Mackenson Altidor were honored for their outstanding Temple careers.
The Owls will play the highest seed remaining after Thursday's quarterfinal round on Friday night at 8:30 p.m, in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
