MEN’S SOCCER

The HU men’s soccer team’s home opener did not disappoint as the hosts mounted a second half comeback to slip past Lourdes 2-1 Saturday afternoon at King Stadium.

The matchup was a first for the Forester program as they improve to 3-1 on the season.

The Gray Wolves (0-4-1) struck first 22 minutes in when Diego Pereira’s blast struck far post and bounced in for a lead they carried into intermission. The visitors fired off ten shots through the first 45 minutes to HU’s two so the 1-0 halftime score wasn’t terribly surprising.

The Foresters came out of the locker room with an urgency and by the 60th minute, it paid off. Compliments of Paulo Filho’s bounce pass, Tiago Costa snuck behind the backline and slotted the keeper for the equalizer.

The game-winner epitomized sheer determination and came with just over eight minutes remaining at the right foot of Higor Barbieri who was able to finish despite being challenged by several defenders in the box.

“Lourdes is a talented, well coached team so to get this win is big,” said Coach Russ Lawson. “There’s plenty for us to build on based on today’s performance.

“While there were moments we didn’t possess the ball as much as we’d like, I was proud of the boys for staying organized and taking advantage of the opportunities we created. I thought we got great play from our midfielders and the guys off the bench offered valuable minutes.”

The Gray Wolves outshot HU 17-7 and enjoyed ten corners to their hosts’ two. Pedro Moreira directed traffic in goal to earn the win, tracking down eight saves along the way.

The Foresters hit the road again on Wednesday to take on Siena Heights at 4:00 p.m.