The Misericordia University men's soccer team fell to Salisbury University, 1-0, in a physical and competitive match-up, Saturday at Mangelsdorf Field.

The Cougars and Sea Gulls were evenly matched for the first half of competition. Misericordia commanded the first 45-minutes with a 4-1 shots on goal advantage while Salisbury held an 8-7 lead in total shots.

Both teams generated several opportunities in the first half, but neither could light up the scoreboard. The Cougars threatened early when Ethan Benedict tried to connect with a cutting Ethan Aigeldinger on a cross pass. However, Salisbury goalkeeper Trevor Brookhart disrupted the pass and diffused the scoring chance.

Later in the half, Aigeldinger ripped a shot from 10-yards out that was saved by the Salisbury goalkeeper. James Udasco fired another shot on goal moments later, but the keeper ranged to his right to make the grab.

Misericordia goalkeeper Dominic Pizzi kept things knotted with a couple key stops in the first half. With 15-minutes remaining, the sophomore keeper ventured seven yards out of his net and dove on the ball before the free Salisbury attacker could attempt a shot.

In the final 10 minutes of the half, Pizzi made another key stop when he fought-off a free kick from Peter Gutoskey.

Salisbury scored the game's lone goal early in the second half when Ryan Spadin found Kevin Eriksen for his team-leading fourth goal. Misericordia attempted to answer back with an equalizer two minutes later, however, a Nick Szczerba rip was deflected wide by the foot of a sliding defender.

Moments later, the Cougars threatened again when Braiden Christie played the ball to Jared Houser in front of the net. Houser fired a shot from seven yards out, but it sailed just over the crossbar. It was the Cougars best scoring chance of the half.

Misericordia dropped to 1-3-1 on the season while Salisbury improved to 6-1. The Cougars will continue their four-game homestand against Rutgers-Camden, Tuesday at 7:00.