MSOC | Restani, Stout Defense Lead Gaels To Shutout of USF
10/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MORAGA, Calif. — Joseph Restani's third goal of the season in the 20th minute and a stout defense Saturday carried the Saint Mary's men's soccer team to a 1-0 shutout victory over West Coast Conference rival San Francisco at Saint Mary's Stadium.
The Gaels (6-7-3, 2-2 WCC) peppered the Dons (6-7, 2-2 WCC) from the outset with three shots on goal in the first 14 minutes. Saint Mary's would finish with 15 shots on the day, including nine on goal. USF goalkeeper Ryan Buckingham made seven saves and his teammates kicked out another, but Restani's shot on goal in the 20th minute made all the difference.
Ever De La Torre carried the ball into the penalty area on the left side. He tapped it over to Restani, who was standing wide open in the box. Restani took a touch and then sent a long arching shot over Buckingham and into the back left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
A win's a win," said Saint Mary's head coach Adam Cooper. "Having a clean sheet was good. We haven't had a lot of those this year so that was important for us. We had to switch things up a couple different times in the game and at the end of the day, guys responded and played well."
Andrew Konstantino earned the victory with six saves in 51 minutes, 4 seconds of shutout work. He had to leave in the 52nd minute due to complications with his contacts, but was well covered by Remi Prieur. Prieur finished the shutout with 39 minutes of blanking the Dons.
It felt good," said Konstantino. "Remi was able to step in and complete it. It's all about the team and getting the result regardless of what happens. He stepped in well and we both played our part and were dominant in our box."
The next match for the Gaels will take place at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Santa Clara. Purchase tickets for the match by clicking here or by calling the Saint Mary's ticket office at (925) 631-GoTx. The game will also be broadcast live on the team's .
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