The Johnson & Wales men's soccer squad traveled to Springfield for the SC Invitational on Saturday afternoon and lost to the host Pride by a score of 4-1 in the opening match of the weekend at the Irv Schmid Sports Complex.

JWU had the best chance in the first half when freshman Jean St. Fluer (Newton, Mass.) hit the post from 20 yards out.  The game would head into halftime in a scoreless tie.

In the early stages of the first half, Eric Stalsburg put Springfield on the board in the 53rd minute as he tallied his first goal of the season. Freshman Ryan Malone then scored what would prove to be the eventual game-winner for the Pride, putting in a shot from from 25 yards out to give the team the 2-0 lead.

Springfield's lead grew to three after a Johnson and Wales own goal at the 74:41 mark. The Wildcats cut the lead to two just 38 seconds later as they took advantage of a scramble in front of the net. After an initial shot by sophomore Ben Bellows (Chester, Conn.) was blocked, freshman Tyler Gates (Peru, Maine) headed home the loose bouncing ball for his first collegiate goal.  The Pride's fourth and final goal of the afternoon came on another own goal by JWU, propelling the team to the 4-1 victory.

Chris Walton picked up the win in goal for Springfield with two saves while senior Joe Ferraro (Freehold, N.J.) took the loss for JWU with six saves in the setback.

The Wildcats, now 0-2 on the year, will return to action on Sunday, September 5th when they take on Thomas at 2:15 p.m.