Nov. 11, 2007

Box Score

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The St. John's men's soccer team was eliminated from the BIG EAST Tournament after dropping a 1-0 game to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals. The Red Storm falls to 9-7-5 on the season, while Notre Dame improves to 11-3-5 and advances to the semifinals.

"I am very proud of our efforts today," said head coach Dr. Dave Masur. "Notre Dame is a tough and talented team and I thought we played well against them."

After a few off-target shots by Notre Dame, St. John's had its first scoring chance set up by the team's second corner kick of the game. Michael Luk sent the kick into the box, but a shot by Adam Himeno went wide of net in the 17th minute. Just shy of the 30 minute mark, the Fighting Irish had two great scoring chances on set pieces after fouls by the Red Storm. Joseph Lapira took both free kicks, but Red Storm keeper Jason Landers was able to save both shots and the game remained scoreless after 45 minutes of play.

Lapira fired another shot on goal just minutes into the second half, but Landers stopped it for his third save of the game. In the 56th minute St. John's pushed upfield quickly after a goal kick and Luk took a hard shot, but it sailed high over the net. Landers made his fourth save in the 65th minute when Jack Traynor sent a shot from 18-yards out, but right at Landers. In the 73rd minute, however, the Irish took the lead with a goal on a broken play. After Notre Dame sent a pass into the box, Red Storm defender Ben Clack tried to clear it. Notre Dame's Josh Theirmann put the pressure on Clack and created a deflection and then pushed a shot past Landers to put the Irish up 1-0. Just minutes later Landers made another save and then followed with a fantastic diving save in the 84th minute to keep the score 1-0. As time ticked down the Red Storm tried to create some offensive momentum, but the Irish defense prevented any scoring chances.

The Red Storm was outshot 15-2, but Landers made six saves to keep St. John's close throughout the game. The game marked the first time that the two BIG EAST opponents had met since November 5, 2005. The Red Storm had been unbeaten (2-0-1) in the past three contests against Notre Dame.

Stay tuned to www.redstormsports.com for information regarding St. John's and the NCAA Tournament. First round action begins November 23 at campus sites.