SAINT LEO, Fla. – Federico Toschi and the Saint Leo men's soccer downed the defending national champions, the Barry Buccaneers, 2-1; climbing up the Sunshine State Conference standings to the third seed Saturday night at the Saint Leo Soccer Field. The junior forward placed the perfect bookends of the university's halftime firework show celebrating its annual Fall Family Festival and the inauguration of 10^th president, Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese. The decision marks the Lions second-straight win, fourth win at home, and snapped a two-year losing skid to the Bucs.
 
Saint Leo (6-5, 3-2 SSC) was out-shot 19-8 and had fewer corner kick opportunities, 6-3, than the Bucs but the pair of goals coming at the 27^th and 52^nd minutes of the game would be enough to lift the Lions over the Bucs.
 
Elias Niesigk collected a ball in the Lions' offensive half, spun, feed Toschi a perfect ball. Toschi got a touch with his left foot to free up just enough space the put the ball under the goalkeeper's right hand.
 
Niesigk flicked on a goal kick to Gabriel Rickmann who took drove it to the left side of the field, put up a powerful cross finding Toschi open and ready to put it away for a 2-0 lead.
 
Barry (3-8, 1-4 SSC) played a man-down for 25 minutes in the second half, during which they slipped one by the Green and Gold backline capitalizing on a free bouncing ball inside the six.
 
Wessel Berenschot had a specular game defending the Lions' net. The senior goalkeeper recorded four saves.
 
The Lions will enjoy a scheduled bye during mid-week action. Saint Leo is set to return to action on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Florida Tech to take on the Panthers.
 
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.