Antek Sienkiel scored the Red Storm’s lone goal. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s)
The St. John’s University men played to a 1-1 draw with Loyola Maryland at Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y. on Friday night.
The Red Storm (1-3-1) outshot its opponent for the fifth time in as many games, but came away with the draw. The Johnnies outshot the defending Patriot League champions (2-1-1) by a 10-6 margin, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal.
Reigning Big East offensive player of the week Antek Sienkiel scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 61st minute. Wesley Leggett picked up an assist, his second this year.
The visitors, however, knotted things up with just over 11 minutes remaining.
Patriot League preseason offensive player of the year Kelan Swales scored his third goal of the campaign from long range, finding the back of the cage from 35 yards. His goal was set up by a long run from Pat Kakyira and a quick touch from Tony Saldana.
Redshirt freshman Emmanuel Smalios made his St. John’s debut between the pipes and logged one save. The Whitestone, N.Y., native became the third Red Storm keeper to see the pitch in five games this season. It marked the first time since 2011 that at least three St. John’s goalkeepers have seen game action in the same campaign. The Red Storm won its ninth Big East Tournament title that year.
The Red Storm visits Columbia University on Monday for its final tune-up before Big East play starts on Sept. 16 against Georgetown at Belson Stadium.