The Muskingum men's soccer team lost a physical battle against Saint Francis on Saturday night in McConagha Stadium, 3-1.

The Cougars scored two goals in an 11-minute span in the first half to grab the early lead. Jason Walcutt scored off of Kenan Habibic's assist in the 23rd minute to give Saint Francis a 1-0 lead. Alexis DaSilva made it 2-0 in the 34th minute off an assist from Walcutt.

Muskingum freshman Trent Newby scored his fourth goal of the season in the 49th minute off junior Brett Hanna's assist to trim the Muskie gap to 2-1 and give the Muskies an early momentum thrust in the second half. The assist was the third of the season for Hanna.

However, Saint Francis weathered the Muskie surge and scored the final tally of the outing in the 70th minute on Habibic's shot from the top of the box.

Freshman Fabien Defer played the entire game in frame and made seven saves and allowed three goals.

Saint Francis ended the outing with a 28-9 advantage in shots and 6-0 edge in corner kicks. Walcutt led the Cougars with eight shots, while DaSilva added seven. Newby led the Muskies with four shots.

Brad Buzzard played all 90 minutes in frame and made one save and allowed one goal.

Muskingum (3-3) next hosts Bethany on Tuesday, September 23. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m. in McConagha Stadium.