ROCHESTER, N.Y. (9/2/16) – The Kean University men's soccer team dropped a tight 1-0 decision to the University of Rochester to start the 2016 season on Friday night.

Senior goalkeeper Brad Watkins made four saves but was out-dueled by Patrick Conway, who was asked to make just one save thanks to the Yellowjacket defense.

Alex DiPerna scored the only goal of the game on a broken play via a header off a deflection in front.  The goal came after a scoreless first period at 59:02 of the second period.

Sev Kherlopian had the Cougars' only shot on goal and had two shots total. Rochester out-shot Kean 12-4 overall and owned a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal. Fouls in the match were even at 10-10.

With less than 20 minutes left, Kean had a chance for an equalizer. Tim Dutchak took a shot from right wing that first appeared to be harmless, but it deflected off a Rochester defender, then smacked into the juncture of the crossbar and the right post before it was cleared. Nicholas Sica (pictured left), making his Kean debut, had a shot in the game as well. 

The Cougars will return to action on Sunday in the Flower City and tangle with Saint John Fisher College at noon.