Oct. 2, 2011

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LOS ANGELES - An unlucky bounce following a penalty kick attempt was all the difference as the LMU men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Saint Mary's in WCC action Sunday at Sullivan Field.

The Lions fell to 2-8-0 overall and are still looking for their first WCC win at 0-2-0. The Gaels, who entered the game with just three goals scored, but also four draws, moved to 2-3-4 overall and 1-0-1 in WCC play.

Both sides have struggled to find offense flow throughout the season, but the Lions came out showing signs of better possession through the midfield and up to their front line.

Earning a corner kick just three minutes in, Kyle Johansen was able to get his foot on the cross in, but the ball was blocked by an SMC defender. Logan McDaniel also had a shot attempt in the early going, his boot going wide of the goalmouth.

Things turned in the 25th minute when LMU's Dylan Seedman was called for a foul in the box as he was tackling the ball away from the Gaels.

The penalty kick by Riley Hanley was blocked by LMU goalkeeper Vince Paldino, but the ball came back out to Hanley who knocked it back into the open net.

The physical game led to a pair of first-half yellow cards for the Lions and one more in the second half. In the 62nd minute, the Gaels' Trevor Newquist was issued a straight red card for a hard hit on Artur Jozkowicz, which knocked the LMU senior out of the game with a head injury.

Playing a man up for the final 29 minutes of the game, LMU was able to generate four shots and five corner kicks, but could not find the equalizer in its sixth straight loss of the season.

LMU looks to get back on track, and post its first WCC win of the season next week, traveling to Gonzaga and Portland on Friday and Sunday, respectively.