PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brendan McSorley scored two goals in a seven-minute span early in the second half, breaking open what had been a close game at the intermission and sending Loyola University Maryland to a 3-1 defeat at Providence on Friday.

Christopher Roman opened the scoring for the Friars (3-1-1) in the 35th minute. The Greyhounds (1-2-1) got on the scoreboard with 75 seconds remaining after Loc San put home a free kick from Kevin Medrano. 

Justin Ingram had the first shot for either side in the 23rd minute of an evenly played first half, sending an effort from the top of the box which was corralled by Lukas Burns in goal. Roman's opener came on the first shot of the game for the home side, as he was left alone in front and sent a shot past a charging Alex Bobocea into the top right corner.

Kelan Swales and Albert Kang had the game's next two shots on goal, with both attempts stopped by Burns. McSorley's first strike came through a 3-on-1 counterattack for Providence, as he directed a cross by Gevork Diarbian into an open net in the 59th minute. 

The Friars added a third with just over 24 minutes remaining. Bobocea made a strong initial save on Diarbian, but McSorley was able to convert on a follow-up opportunity.

San's late goal was his first of the season and third overall at Loyola. Medrano, meanwhile, picked up his first collegiate point. 

Bobocea finished with two saves while starting for an injured Chase Vosvick in goal. He made his first start of the season along with Medrano and Eddy Rodriguez in the midfield.

Burns made three stops over the first 77 minutes of regulation for Providence before giving way to Rimi Olatunji for the remainder of the second half.

The Friars ended the night with a 9-5 edge in shots and an 8-6 lead in corner kicks. Loyola was facing Providence for just the second time in program history, with the other matchup occurring back in 1985.

The Greyhounds remain on the road for their next matchup, traveling to face Penn at 7 p.m. on Monday night.