McLean's Goal in Fifth Minute Leads Men's Soccer Past Loras

BOX

St. Louis, Mo., September 19, 2010 – Junior Patrick McLean scored in the fifth minute to lead the No. 18 Washington University in St. Louis men’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Loras College on Sunday, Sept. 19, at Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo.

It was just over four minutes into action when Loras was whistled for a foul nearly 30 yards out from its own goal. Washington University senior midfielder Cody Costakis lined up the free kick for Washington University and sent a long pass into the middle of the box, where McLean was able to volley the ball past goalkeeper Dan Wickman for the early score.

With the goal, McLean tied sophomore Zachary Query and junior Kevin Privalle for the team lead at three scores. Costakis picked up his third assist of the year in the game-winning strike.

Following that early play neither team was able to must many scoring opportunities. The Bears nearly took a 2-0 lead later in the first half when senior John Duncan was able to break free down the right side of the field and create a one-on-one opportunity against Wickman, but his shot was saved by the Loras goalkeeper and the score remained 1-0.

Loras controlled play for most of the second half but never created a strong scoring opportunity. The Bears’ best chance to score again came late in the game when McLean was fouled on a breakaway just outside of the box by Loras’ Malcolm Calbert, but the Red and Green did not score on the Costakis restart.

Washington U. finished with a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal and a 9-7 lead in total shot attempts. Playing the first 45 minutes of the game and making one save, senior Andrew Serio was credited with the win, improving to 4-0-1 on the year.

The Bears improved to 4-0 at home, where they have outscored their opponents 12-0 so far in 2010.

Washington University (5-0-2) returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 22, when it will face Fontbonne University in Clayton, Mo., at the Clayton High School soccer field at 8 p.m.