Two goals just 76 seconds apart in the first 12 minutes of action proved to be the difference between a win and a loss for the Canisius College men’s soccer team on Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 setback at Quinnipiac. The loss drops the Griffs to 6-5-2 on the season and 2-2-1 in MAAC action, while the Bobcats improve to 5-3-4 and 3-0-1 against conference foes.

“We didn’t show up ready to play today and that’s disappointing,” said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. “Once we allowed the opposition two goals, we finally decided to play. It’s a 90-minute game and we need to play for all 90 minutes to be successful.”

The Bobcats used two tallies in just 76 seconds to grab a 2-0 advantage 11:05 into the contest. Sam Nicol opened the scoring, finishing in the top corner of the net from an unmarked position. Simon Hinde then took advantage of a set piece to extend the Quinnipiac lead.

The Griffs regrouped after spotting Quinnipiac the early advantage and attempted to fight their way back into the contest. Junior Denver Spearman brought the Griffs to within one in the 82nd minute, heading the ball in off a corner kick from sophomore Nicoló Baudo for his second tally of the season.

Canisius, however, was unable to find the equalizer in the final eight-plus minutes of the contest. The Griffs managed three additional shots on goal after Spearman’s tally – two more by Spearman and one by junior Asani Samuels – but each time Quinnipiac’s Jason Vancura got a hand on the ball to preserve the 2-1 victory.

The Griffs finished the contest with a 15-10 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks. Senior Ryan Arvin recorded a career-best six saves in the third-straight contest, while Vancura stopped seven shots in the win for the Bobcats.

Canisius continues MAAC play next Saturday with a road contest against Saint Peter’s. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

Game Notes: The schools were meeting for the first time as MAAC foes as Quinnipiac joined the conference from the NEC prior to the season … Canisius has now scored 17 of its 20 goals this season after halftime … The Griffs’ eight MAAC losses during the last two seasons have each been by just one goal.