HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Hilbert College men's soccer team opened the 2016 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference portion of their schedule with a tough loss to visiting Franciscan University this afternoon during True Blue Weekend.

The Hawks stayed with the Barons, even after spotting them a goal just after intermission, but the visitors connected a second time late in the period to claim a 2-0 victory.

Franciscan opened the game on fire.  They forced the pace and were able to pressure Ryan Valentine between the pipes during the first ten-minutes of the game.  But Hilbert countered and played even the next thirty-five minutes to head to the break even.

Just three minutes into the second half, Francsican scored the game's first marker.

"Franciscan played well, but we fought hard against them and stayed with them defensively," said coach Selim Talbi.  "There were times we focused too much on Herrmann (the AMCC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year selection) which distracted from our offense.   We were slow to transition on offensive after our players had dropped back to help defend."

Hilbert had several looks in the second half but came up empty each time.  "Our guys worked extremely hard and pursued plays all game; I am very proud that they never quit on a play."

Matthew Barth led the offensive effort with four shots followed by Anthony Pellicano, Travis Hicks, Daniel Pulaski adn Wade Bergum who all added a pair of shots each.

Franciscan (5-3-1) added another score in the 82 minute to capture their first AMCC win.  Valentine finished with nine saves for the Hawks.

Hilbert (2-5, 0-1 AMCC) is excited to host their first BUFFALO CUP contest this week when they play Medaille on Tuesday, September 27 at 4:15pm.