MADISON, NJ - The FDU-Florham men's soccer team fell to DeSales University, 2-1, in a physical affair to begin conference play for both squads, on Oct. 1 at Robert T. Shields Field. 

After sustained possession for FDU-Florham (2-5-3) in the first eight minutes, a Bulldog (6-4-1) counterattack led to the opening goal of the game. Bulldogs sophomore forward Michael Kirby took the ball at the top of the box and placed it neatly in the top left corner. 

About 28 minutes into the first half, FDU-Florham had a chance of their own with freshman forward Justin Estremera finding sophomore forward Jose Guardado in the box, who turned and fired from close range, only to be stopped by DeSales junior goalkeeper Dan Sulpizio. 

DeSales added to their tally with 28 minutes remaining in the second half, and on the counter once again. Kirby received the ball up wide left for the Bulldogs and sent a pass across the defense that the FDU-Florham keeper cleared into DeSales sophomore forward Alex DiRienzo. DiRienzo followed the rebound which landed behind the Devils' keeper and tapped it in. 

Five minutes later, FDU-Florham got one back by way of Guardado's right foot. The Devils' forward picked up the ball on the right hash marks outside the box, took a touch and smashed it into the left side of the net. 

FDU-Florham had a few more decent chances including a close range shot that was blocked with 47 seconds left, but were unable to tie the match up. 

The Devils return to action Wednesday, Oct. 5, as they play at Rutgers-Newark.