BALTIMORE – The St. John’s University men were unable to overcome an early deficit as the Red Storm dropped a 1-0 decision to Loyola Maryland at Ridley Athletic Complex Sunday night.
Nico Brown scored the game’s lone goal in the 29th minute, giving the Greyhounds (2-0) the lead.
The Greyhounds, the preseason favorite to win the Patriot League according to a poll of the conference’s coaches, registered the game’s first several chances, firing off three quick corner kicks near the 15-minute mark of the opening half. The Red Storm defense, however, held strong and kept Loyola without a shot on those tries.
About 15 minutes later, Loyola got on the board as Brown connected on a goal after two quick touches from Josh Fawole and Sam Brown.
After failing to record a shot or a corner in the first half, the Red Storm (1-1) shifted the match’s momentum in its favor in second half as the Johnnies tallied five of each in the first 20 minutes of the final half.
The Red Storm registered its best chance of the game in the 65th minute, as Rafael Bustamante sent a cross in front for Filippo Ricupati, who was rejected on the doorstep by Loyola keeper Chase Vosvick.
St. John’s fought furiously over the game’s closing minutes, but the Red Storm failed to find the back of the net.
The Johnnies will begin a four-game homestand, playing host to reigning Atlantic 10 Champion Fordham University at Belson Stadium Friday at 7:30 p.m.
