Brandon McFarlane made five saves against Southern Connecticut, but the Skyhawks couldn't connect on offense, falling 1-0. (PHOTO BY Andrew Katsampes)

Goal in 82nd minute sinks Skyhawks

EASTON, Mass. (September 25, 2010) – The Stonehill College men’s soccer team was shut out 1-0 by Southern Connecticut State University at Skyhawk Field on Saturday. The Owls, ranked #8 in this week’s National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II East Regional poll, scored in the final minutes to take the Northeast-10 matchup.

Southern Connecticut sophomore Seth Ragaini (Seymour, Conn./Seymour) found the back of the net in the 82nd minute for his first goal of the season, set up by senior Victor Hernandez (Rye Brook, N.Y./Portchester). Junior goalkeeper Andrew Esposito (East Haven, Conn./East Haven) made one save to blank Stonehill. Senior Brandon McFarlane (Norwich, Conn./Norwich Free Academy) made five stops in the net for the Skyhawks.

While Southern Connecticut controlled the ball early in the game, the Stonehill defense, anchored by junior Christopher Agan (Niskayuna, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy), held the Owls to just three first-half shots. Senior Todd Shigo (Naples, Maine/Lake Region) had an early attempt turned back by Esposito for his only save of the day.

McFarlane played a strong second half in the Stonehill net, making four saves as Southern Connecticut increased the offensive pressure with 12 second-half shots. The Owls finally broke through at 81:52, when Hernandez managed to get a pass forward through the Stonehill defense to Ragaini, who buried a short-range shot in the right corner for the winner.

Stonehill (3-3-1, 1-3-1 NE-10) is at home again on Tuesday, taking on UMass-Lowell at 4 p.m. Southern Connecticut (6-1, 4-1 NE-10) hosts Saint Rose on Tuesday at 7 p.m.