The Canisius College men's soccer team lost its season opener to Drexel on Tuesday night, 1-0, in front of 1,024 fans at the Demske Sports Complex.
"For the most part, the effort was there and the chances were there," said Canisius head coach Jim Hesch. "It just came down to they put one in and we didn't. For our first outing, we didn't play too bad but it is disappointing to get the loss."
Sophomore goalkeeper Adam Miller stopped five shots in goal to anchor the Canisius defense.
After a slow beginning to the contest, the Griffs had their best chance to score with 15 minutes remaining in the opening half. Senior Victor Gonzalez fed the ball to freshman Sam Margetts, who got past the Drexel defense. However, Margetts' shot ringed off the crossbar and the game remained scoreless.
Drexel took advantage of an opportunity shortly thereafter to score the game's only goal. After a Canisius foul, Fabio Assumpcao found the back of the net off a free kick from 20 yards out.
The Dragons came out firing after halftime but Miller kept the game within reach for the Griffs, making four of his five saves in the second stanza. Drexel's goalie Alex Reber recorded two saves, including one on a header with just under five minutes remaining to seal the victory.
Drexel held the advantage in shots, 20-8, and in corner kicks, 6-1, to win its season opener.
Canisius returns to action on Friday, playing at Cincinnati. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Game Notes: Senior Alan McGreal remains tied for first in school history with 75 career points ... The two schools were meeting for the first time ... Canisius fell to 13-28-4 all-time in season openers and 16-19-3 in home openers.
