Aug. 23, 2008

POMONA, N.J. - In its final exhibition tune up before the 2008 regular season, the St. John's men's soccer team was edged by Northwestern, 3-2, in the feature game of the South Jersey Soccer Festival hosted by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

St. John's took an early 1-0 lead in the 16th minute as a pair of freshman teamed up for the goal. Pablo Punyed found the back of the net after an assist from Connor Lade.

The Huskies would even the score at 1-1 in the 38th minute when Kevin Valenta beat Red Storm keeper Nunzio Belfiore. Tyler Voigt assisted on the goal for Northwestern.

Tied 1-1 at halftime, the Red Storm retook the lead in the 63rd minute as Tafadzwa Chiduku scored on an assist from Adam Himeno.

Northwestern, however, quickly tied the score in 66th minute as Mark Blades beat St. John's keeper Neal Kitson after an assist from Lucas Swertloff. Matt Eliason then gave the Huskies a 3-2 lead in the 84th minute after an assist from Blades.

Derby Carrillo earned the start in goal for St. John's, played the opening 35 minutes and made one save before being lifted in favor of freshman Belfiore. Kitson played the final 45 minutes and made four saves.

St. John's opens the 2008 regular season against Virginia on Friday, Aug. 29 as part of the Virginia Soccer Classic in Charlottesville, Va. On Sunday, Aug. 31, in the second of two games played as part of the classic, the Red Storm will take on Old Dominion.