Bulldogs drop opener to FIU, 2-0

Early deficit too much to overcome for Bulldogs

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team dropped its season opener to Florida International, 2-0, Friday night.

A two goal effort by FIU sophomore Quentin Albrecht was too much for the Bulldogs to overcome, despite a valiant effort in the first of two games in The Sunshine State.

The first Panther goal came in the 14th minute when Albrecht headed in a corner kick from Nicolas Rodriguez to give FIU an early 1-0 advantage.

Albrecht's second score of the contest came in the 59th minute off a set piece. Lucas Di Croce directed the ball toward the far post where Chris Lamarre set up Albrecht for his second score of 2012, extending the Panther lead to, 2-0.

FIU goalkeeper Robin Spiegel played all 90 minutes for the Panthers earning his first victory of 2012. Spiegel turned back all three shots on goal by the Bulldogs to solidify the 2-0 win for his team.

The Bulldogs started five freshmen in their 2012 opener including goalkeeper Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) who had one save in his first collegiate appearance. Sophomore midfielder Lucas Guerriero (Pickering, Ontario) led the Black and Gold with two shots in the contest. Bryant fired five total shots in the game compared to 14 total shots for FIU.

Looking ahead Bryant will head to Boca Raton for the second half of its Florida road trip. The Bulldogs face off with the Owls of Florida Atlantic on Sunday at 1p.m.

For all the latest information on Bryant University men's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com.