ST. LOUIS – Washington University-St. Louis broke a 0-0 tie with a free kick goal in the 78th minute to post a 1-0 men's soccer victory over the University of Rochester in the UAA season opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon.
 
Sean Connors drove the ball into the net, just before UR goalkeeper Hugh Curran could get a solid grip on it. The Bears pressed for a clinching goal in the last six minutes, but Curran denied Julian Gancman with a brilliant palm-out of his left-footed blast in the 86th minute and minutes later, Gancman's additional try was blocked by the defense.
 
Minutes before the goal was scored, Curran saved a shot from Alex Smith. It led to a corner kick which proved harmless.
 
For the most part, the result was typical of men's games between the two institutions. Lots of defensive intensity. UR had five shots in the first nine minutes – Aidan Miller's header was wide. James Barata's try was blocked,  Zach Lawlor fired wide as did Nate Leopolid and Owen Carroll.
 
Rochester's defense was steady and solid, too. Gancman's shot was blocked by the defense. The followup in the scramble, taken by Vivar Jaberi was saved by Curran.
 
In all, Curran made four saves. Washington's Connor Mathes had one save. The Bears had five corner kicks and did not allow one by Rochester.
 
The Yellowjackets are 7-3 overall, 0-1 in the UAA. Rochester returns to the Brian Prince Athletic Complex next Sunday to host the University of Chicago (men's game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. eastern time). Washington is 6-2-1, 1-0 in the UAA.