Xavier's Offense Continues to Struggle in Their Fourth Loss in Six Games

Behind a standout performance in goal from Luciano Amatruda and a second period goal from Cretella Colby, Notre Dame of West Haven defeated Xavier 1-0 on the road Monday afternoon at Wesleyan.

The loss was Xavier’s fourth in the past month, versus just one victory and one tie. They are now 7-5-2 on the season. While the Falcons were a strong offensive team during the first portion of their schedule, averaging 3.8 goals per game in the first seven contests, that offensive inconsistency has disappeared. Xavier has not scored more than two goals since January 7th.

“We have a hard time finishing,” Xavier assistant coach John Stanton said. The kids are working on it but we have to get better at it.”

Xavier had a goal disallowed with just under 12 minutes remaining in the first period due to a penalty. From that moment on it seemed preordained that the team which scored first would be the winner. The Green Knights earned that score when Cretella Colby put back a rebound. The Falcons had repeated scoring opportunities before and after the go-ahead goal but were not able to capitalize on them.

Xavier controlled the puck for a decent portion of the game and had some good looks on the net where its shooters failed to convert. The biggest culprit was the team's inability to finish and particularity its poor passing. The Falcons issues with passing the puck stopped a number of offensive sets dead in their tracks.Xavier's offense was not helped by Amatruda. He made some impressive sprawling saves and denied a number of scoring opportunities in front of the net.

The Falcons had a power play opportunity with 6:36 remaining and were unable to get a good shot off. Xavier pulled goalie Shane Baldwin at the 90 second mark but had only one shot on the net.

"We're a young team and we know it's going to come but it is going to come but it's something we work on all the time," Stanton said. "It's tough and it is a little frustrating."

Xavier is now 7-5-2 and and 3-3 in the Southern Connecticut Conference Division One standings, good for sixth place. The Falcons next play a huge road game against 11-2 East Haven on Thursday.