Brooklyn Heights, New York---Senior forward Gabriel Bagot’s goal in the 24th minute proved to be the difference as the St. Francis Brooklyn men’s soccer team picked up their first conference victory of the season, defeating Sacred Heart, 1-0, on Friday evening at Brooklyn Bridge Park.  The Terriers, who extended their unbeaten streak to seven straight and now stand at 7-2-1; 1-0-0 NEC, remain unbeaten in their new facility, improving to 2-0-1 on the season at Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 5.

Junior forward and reigning Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year Kevin Correa attempted the free kick from about thirty-five yards out.  The Flushing native put forth a left-footed strike that Sacred Heart’s goalkeeper, Tucker Hackett, was able to make the stop, initially.  The ball slipped out of Hackett’s hands.  Bagot vigilantly soared in on goal for the one-time attempt to give the home eleven the 1-0 edge.

“Kevin (Correa) was able to curve the ball that goalkeeper misplayed,” commented Bagot, who tallied his sixth goal of the season. “I was able to trail the play and locate the loose ball and score the goal. Everyone has played incredibly well. Our defense has put forth an amazing effort and we have finished our scoring chances.”

The fourth-year forward netted his 23rd career goal, moving him into sole possession of tenth place all-time in St. Francis Brooklyn men’s soccer history.  Bagot now has 58 career points, placing his 12th all-time.  For Correa, it is his fifth helper of the season and eighth of his career.  The duo have now combined for 12 goals, seven assists and 29 points this season and over a two-year stretch, have amassed 28 goals, 16 assists and 70 points.

St. Francis Brooklyn narrowly made it 2-0, two minutes later as Correa has a 2-on-1 scoring opportunity but directed the shot wide right of the goalkeeper. 

Sacred Heart tested junior goalkeeper Jack Binks early in the second half of play as Joshua Mathews shot attempt was denied by the Darlington, England product, preserving the 1-0 advantage for the Terriers.  Binks came up big late in the stanza for the Terriers, as he was able to deny a Pioneer threat in the 84th minute. 

“I think the defense has played incredible,” mentioned Binks. “The guys I have in front of me have been amazing for me.  I think we can attest our success to being a close-knit team, both on and off the field.”

Artur Jorge was tabbed to take the free kick from approximately forty-yards away on the right side.  The junior defender put a well-time strike on it as it found its way on goal that Binks was able to punch out high in the air and corralled the jump ball just before a Pioneer could put a foot on it.

The Terriers had one final chance in the 89th minute as Bagot received the cross from Correa and was able to head the ball just right of the goal.  For the match, St. Francis Brooklyn doubled their offensive production, firing 16 shots in the match to just eight from Sacred Heart. 

For Binks, who finished with three saves on the night, has recorded four straight clean sheets, the first Terrier net minder to do since Tyler Clarhaut’12 did back during the 2011 season.  His counterpart, Hackett, recorded a match-high five saves.

St. Francis Brooklyn will have a week to prepare as they will host Saint Francis University on Friday, October 18th.  Kick-of between the two Franciscan institutions will begin at 7:00 pm.