The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's soccer team got off to a slow start and dropped a 4-1 East Coast Conference decision against Queens at Spartan Field. Ivan Gomez netted STAC's only goal but it was not enough to prevent the Spartans from falling to 3-6-0 overall and 1-3 in conference play, with Queens improving to 2-5, 2-2.

On a cold, blustery day, the Spartans found themselves in an early hole just 1:45 after the opening whistle. Andres Breuer curled a perfect shot from outside the box past helpless netminder Sean Connolly. The Knights would strike twice more in a sluggish first half by the hosts, to take a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Gomez provided a ray of hope at 58:39, converting a perfect direct kick from just outside the penalty area, with his first of the season bringing STAC to within 3-1. That was as close as it would get, as Queens would add another with just under eight minutes left to provide the final margin.

Queens held a slim 10-8 edge in total shots, with Connolloy making one save in absorbing the loss. Robbie Webster claimed the victory for the Knights, also credited with one save.

The Spartans now play their next four straight on the road, starting with a conference match at the University of the District of Columbia on Wednesday, October 7. They return to Spartan Field to host the University of Bridgeport on Wednesday, October 21.