SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's soccer team dropped its home-opener against #18 Florida Tech on Tuesday night by a score of 1-0 in a non-conference bout at the Saint Leo Soccer Field.

The Panthers held the early scoring opportunity in the first half with a corner kick at the 2:34-mark that was denied by the Lions' defense. The Green and Gold were on the attack as senior Edoardo Degl'Innocenti blasted a shot attempt followed by a Saint Leo corner kick. During the 20th minute, Florida Tech attempted a free kick shot attempt just above the penalty box that found the net for a goal as the Panthers claimed a 1-0 lead. The Lions tallied another shot attempt and corner kick; however, Florida kept its 1-0 advantage going into halftime.

The Panthers were in their attacking zone for the start of the second half with three shot attempts within three minutes followed by a pair of corner kicks in the 54th minute. Saint Leo answered with an on goal shot attempt from junior Anel Rojas that was saved in the bottom left corner. In the closing minutes, the Lions made a last effort to tie the game before the end of the regulation as freshman Juan Jimenez launched a shot that was high of the net.

Freshman goalkeeper James Knudson registered a trio of saves in the complete-game effort.

Florida Tech outshot Saint Leo 8-4 while the Panthers recorded four shots on goal to the Lions pair of shots that were on target. Both teams attempted four corner kicks.

Saint Leo returns to the pitch on Friday, September 13 as it travels to Memphis, Tennessee to face Delta State in a non-conference neutral site contest, starting at 6 p.m.