In a clash of Big East powers, the No. 12 St. John’s men’s soccer team was held off by Louisville Saturday, falling to a
final score of 1-0.

The only goal of the match was tallied in the 17th minute when redshirt sophomore forward Will Vitalis shot his fourth goal of the season past St. John’s goalkeeper Rafael Diaz.

The Johnnies’ defense held tough following the goal, holding Louisville’s offense to only two more shots on goal, both saved by Diaz.

However, the Cardinal stoppers were a step ahead as redshirt junior goalkeeper Mike Mauro registered five saves in the
eventual shutout.

“It is always disappointing to lose, but I am proud of how our guys played because we went toe-to-toe with a very tough Louisville team on the road and came up just short tonight and that’s just how soccer goes sometimes,” said St. John’s
head coach Dr. Dave Masur in a press release.

The Red Storm found themselves within striking distance on more than one occasion, but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Johnnies had a scoring chance with five minutes left in the match, but Jimmy Mulligan’s shot was blocked by the Cardinal defense.

Andres Vargas put one over the cross bar in the 80th minute and only three minutes later Sean Sepe had a breakaway opportunity stifled by the Louisville keeper. Tim Parker then sent a last-ditch effort wide in the final minute to ensure the Cardinal victory.

Masur was impressed with his team’s performance but knows they must take the next step.

“We created some really good opportunities,” said Masur in a press release. “But we have to do a better job of finishing.”

The Johnnies will take to the pitch again when they travel to Yurkac Field on Wednesday and face off against Rutgers in a game with importatnt Big East implications.

Other than enering the game with the incentive of claiming an imperative 3 conference points, the Red Strom will look to erase bitter memories from last year’s overtime loss to their New Jersey rivals.