The men's soccer team suffered their second loss of the season Friday night to the Princeton University Tigers by the score of 2-1 at Owen T. Carroll Field.
Princeton got off to an early lead with a seventh minute goal by senior forward Matt Sanner off a lead pass from junior midfielder Chris Benedict.
"When we get down early we try to push each other and strike back as soon as possible," junior captain Mark Garcia said. "We have to show the other team we aren't putting our heads down."
Redshirt-senior goalkeeper Michael Kuzan made a noteworthy save in the 25th minute jumping backwards into the net just keeping the ball from crossing the goal line. Kuzan had been well out of the net and quickly rushed back to keep Princeton's lead at one for the time being.
Garcia tied the game right before the end of the first half, in the 43rd minute, with a 20 -yard shot to the right side of the net assisted by sophomore midfielder Konrad Plewa. Garcia led the Pirates with four shots on goal.
Despite a scoring chance by Garcia in the first minute of the second half, Princeton midfielder Julian Griggs was the player to score the tiebreaking and deciding goal in the 49th minute. The winning goal was assisted by freshmen forward Thomas Sanner.
This game was Princeton's season opener and although this was an nonconference game for Seton Hall, Garcia said "every team is a rival."
Seton Hall midfielder Kai Greene suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury in the 58th minute, but Garcia is "hopeful" he will be ready to go in a few days.
The overall record between Seton Hall and Princeton now stands at 11-11-5.
There were six yellow cards given out in the game, four to the Pirates.
"Moving on, we need to try and fix the little mistakes, finish our chances when we have them and overall keep focus at all times," Garcia said.
The Pirates will be back in action Monday against Rider University at Owen T. Carroll Field.
Stephanie Vedral can be reached at stephanie.vedral@student.shu.edu
