Barons Routed by Point Park in Season Opener

CHESWICK, Pa. – The Franciscan University of Steubenville men's soccer team took the field at non-conference opponent Point Park University on Wednesday night in their inaugural game of the 2010 season. Led by the scoring of six different players, Point Park upended Franciscan 7-2.

The Barons found themselves in a hole early, as Point Park brought an offensive strike to the field right out of the gate. It only took them 4:30 to find the back of the net when Matt Annecchiarico gave the Pioneers the very early lead, one they would not relinquish. They added three more goals in the last eight minutes of the half, including another from Annecchiarico, to head into halftime with a 4-0 lead.

The Barons did get two goals in the second half, off the feet of John Herrmann and Steven Duran, but Point Park recorded three more of their own to outscore Franciscan 7-2 by the time the final horn blew.

Pioneer Zeke O'Donnell had five saves in goal while David Almeida and Kevin McCartney both saw time in net for FUS, recording two saves a piece.

The loss brings Franciscan's record to 0-1 on this early season, but they head back on the field Saturday for their home opener against Geneva College at 4 p.m.