Men’s Lacrosse Drops Season-Opener to Western Conn.

Patchgogue, NY| Despite a second-quarter comeback, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's lacrosse team dropped a 10-6 decision to Western Connecticut State at Danzi Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The loss ensures the Golden Eagles start their 2020 campaign with a 0-1 record as the Pioneers improve to 4-0.

Junior Vincent Raccuglia tallied a game-best two goals and sophomores Tim McCann and Anthony Passarella both went for one goal and one assist each. 

Senior Declan Canevari went 9-for-19 on draws and scooped up a game-best eight ground balls. 

Junior Ryan Wheeler (0-1) started in goal and allowed six goals on 10 shots in the first quarter. Sophomore Andrew Brust made seven saves in 45:00 minutes of playing time. 

After falling behind 6-0 in the first quarter, McCann and Raccuglia each tallied in the final seven minutes of the opening frame to bring the game back to within four goals (6-2).

SJC outscored Western Conn. 3-1 in the second quarter to ensure the deficit was just two goals (7-5) at the break, but the Pioneers scored three of the game's final tallies and secured a 10-6 victory.

Western Conn. outshot SJC 38-34 in the contest but the hosts held a 45-38 advantage in ground balls. St. Joseph's went 0-for-3 on man-up opportunities while the guests went 1-for-2.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Monday, March 2 when they visit Kean University for a non-conference contest at 6:00 pm.