Non-Conference Game Slips Through Firebirds’ Fingertips in 2-1 Loss vs. Gannon

BOYDS, MD – A free-kick from about 30 yards out with the wind by Alejandro Ferrero sailed through the fingertips of standout senior goalkeeper Louis Connor for what proved to be the game winner in the 71^st minute as the University of the District of Columbia fell to Gannon, 2-1 in non-regional action at Maryland SoccerPlex Wednesday afternoon.

The Firebirds (4-8-1) had just tied the score less than a minute prior to Ferrero's goal when senior forward Moussa Traore lofted a shot over the head of the charging 6-foot tall goalkeeper Jorge Hernandez which bounced into the net for Traore's 2^nd goal of the season.

Gannon (4-7), which struck first in the 48^th minute off of a well-placed cross into the box by Ferrero during an earlier free-kick opportunity from the left corner, later took advantage of a foul called just outside the box on a Firebirds player during a battle for a loose ball. Ferrero's kick had just enough mustard to slip through Connor's fingertips for the go-ahead goal.

Connor would finish with one save and two goals allowed in the Firebirds' 5^th one-goal loss this season while Hernandez earned the win with seven saves and one goal allowed.UDC out-shot Gannon, 17-10, although, the Knights took one more corner kick (7-6). Both Gannon goals came on free-kick opportunities as a result of Firebird fouls.

The Firebirds resume East Coast Conference play on Saturday with a visit to Amherst, NY to play Daemen College. UDC is currently 9^th in the standings with a league record of 2-4 and five ECC games remaining.