ANNVILLE, Pa. – First-year Michael Desmond had a collegiate debut to remember on Thursday night as he tallied the game-winning goal during the season opener at Lebanon Valley during the 61st minute of play. One more save in favor of the No. 19 Diplomats proved to be the difference as F&M emerged a 2-1 victor on the road.

Franklin & Marshall never trailed during the contest as Philip Monos was able to get his side on the board early with an unassisted goal during the 15th minute of play. That goal was more than redemption for Monos who was denied on his chance just three minutes into the contest. However, that only added motivation to the junior's arsenal. Monos' goal would be the only scoring of the first half as Sam Farrell made three saves during those first 45 minutes as both teams put three of their shots on goal.

Lebanon Valley held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks throughout the contest and used one of those chances to level the game just over three minutes into the second half as Aidan Negron tallied the equalizer for the home side. The Diplomats had two shots on goal early in the second half that were denied by Lebanon Valley goalie Dalton Fitterling. However, a substitution during the 57th minute paid huge and immediate dividends for F&M as Desmond scored just under four minutes after checking into the match.

Farrell was called on to make six saves during the season opener, but would need to make just one of those efforts during the final 30 minutes as the Diplomats' defense was more than up to the task in defending that one goal advantage. F&M also has one shot on goal during that remaining time, which was stopped during the 70th minute of action to give Fitterling five saves after he also faced seven shots on goal.

Lebanon Valley did finish with a narrow 12-11 advantage in shots, with five shot attempts from Monos pacing the F&M offense.

Men's soccer will once again be on the road this coming Sunday for a nationally-ranked showdown with No. 25 Stevens. That matchup in Hoboken is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start. The Diplomats come home on Wednesday to battle a Kean side who is currently receiving votes in the national polls. After opening the season with two road contests, the Diplomats will be at home for five of their final seven matches during the month of September.