NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Despite dominating the shot count 13-8 and showing resilience with a quick response goal in the second half, the Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to West Chester on Saturday at Jess Dow Field. The Owls (0-2-1) battled but couldn't overcome a pair of strikes from Golden Rams forward Maksym Komperda, leaving SCSU still searching for their first win of the season.

Junior forward Giancarlo Ciotoli provided the lone bright spot on the scoreboard for the Owls, netting his first goal of the year at 66:16 off an assist from midfielder Jeremy Martin. The tally came just minutes after West Chester extended their lead, pulling SCSU within one at 2-1 and injecting energy into the home side.
 

The first half saw SCSU generate seven shots to West Chester's four, but the Owls couldn't find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Diego Flores made a key save on Owen Slack's effort in the 25th minute, keeping things scoreless until Komperda broke through unassisted at 34:58 to give the Golden Rams (2-1-0) a 1-0 halftime lead.
 

SCSU came out aggressive in the second half, with Martin testing West Chester keeper Alexi Amanatidis early. However, West Chester doubled their advantage at 62:34 when Tyler Vagner's header finished a Luke Newman cross. The Owls responded swiftly: Martin's shot was saved, but Ciotoli pounced on the rebound for the goal.
 

Momentum swung briefly toward SCSU, but West Chester sealed the win late when Komperda scored his second at 84:34, assisted by Peter Tichy.
 

Offensively, Martin led with three shots, while forwards Amos Bignotti and Jake Novoshelski each added multiple attempts. Flores finished with one save in the loss, as West Chester managed just four shots on target.

SCSU is back in action on Friday, Sept. 19 when it hosts long-time rival Southern New Hampshire at 6 p.m. at Jess Dow Field.