AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team fell 5-0 to the Conquistadors of Florida National University on Monday afternoon at AMU Soccer Field. Florida National jumped on the board less than two minutes into the match, and never trailed in the only meeting this season between the teams. 

Florida National scored twice in the first half, beginning with a goal from Nicolas Micoli in the second minute. Less than 15 minutes later, Marcos Shimizu found the back of the net to stretch the Conquistador lead to 2-0.

The visitors added three more goals in the second half, with all three involving George Morganti assisted on the first tally of the half, a goal from Agustin Polizzotto in the 67th minute. He added two more goals in the final 15 minutes of the match, scoring in the 79th and 90th minutes. The first Morganti goal was assisted by Manuel Villegas. 

A penalty kick in the 53rd minute served as Ave Maria's best chance to score on Monday. Freshman Kensley Jean Baptiste was fouled in the box, bringing out a yellow card for the Florida National defender. However, an ensuing penalty kick from Juan Carlos Bucaram sailed high.

Ave Maria goalkeeper Andrea Salomone recorded a game-high five saves in the losing effort, including four stops in the second half. The Gyrenes recorded two shots on goal, both coming from forward Alejandro Echeverria.

The defeat was the first of the season for the Gyrenes on their home pitch. Ave Maria's next home game comes on September 19 against Concordia College from Alabama.

The Gyrenes will play their next two matches on the road on the next two Saturdays. First on the schedule is NCAA Division I opponent Nova Southeastern. AMU battles the Sharks in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m.