Saints Lose Season Opener

May 17th, 2015

Charlie Hatch

Despite going down to 10 men, FC Buffalo defeated the Cincinnati Saints 2-1 on Saturday night in Buffalo. It was Cincinnati’s first match of the 2015 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season.

A first half brace from Julian Ekeze gave the home side a 2-0 lead at the break.

The Saints cut into the deficit in the 49th minute when midfielder Phil Hagerty headed in a corner from defender RJ Best.

FC Buffalo went down to 10 men in the 63 minute when forward Scott Doney picked up his second yellow card of the match.

Cincinnati created opportunities late in the game, but failed to put the attempts on target.

A 25-yard effort from captain Kwame Sardokie blasted off the football uprights just above the crossbar, while Mohammed Saleih had a headed attempt flash wide of the back post.

The Saints return to action on May 23, when they host the Indiana Lions at Withrow’s Angus King Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.