Flushing, N.Y. - Queens College men's soccer head coach Carl Christian celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, but his team wasn't able to produce an ideal present - a win - as they fell to St.Michael's 1-0 in the season-opener from the soccer field in Flushing.  The Knights outshot the Purple Knights, 10-5 in the loss.

Queens was playing without All-Conference midfielder, Glen Reid, who missed the game for personal reasons.  Despite Reid's absence, QC produced some chances early.  In familiar fashion, the Knights attacked from the wings and created scoring opportunities from corners and free kicks.

Isiah Kossinne had the first chance for QC when he blasted a shot on goal that the Purple Knights' keeper saved.  Queens had another prime scoring chance in the 28th minute when Nikolas Maher lifted a pass into the box and Paul Sandoval put it just wide.  The game went into the break in a scoreless tie.

The Knights nearly got the lead in the 51st minute.  Off a QC corner, Paul Sandoval was in the right side of the box and flicked a ball to the chest of Kossinne.  Kossinne grabbed possession, took a shot and forced the goalie to make another save.

St. Michael's got on the board in the 55th minute when Josh Vlasich got behind the defense and beat James Brostowski inside the far post.  The game was Brostowski's first start with Queens.

QC nearly evened the score in the Queens had a chance at the euqalizer just past the hour mark.  Gradaute student, Jorge Artavia was just outside the 18-yard box and he let go a knuckler that went just over the crossbar.

St. Michael's held on for the 1-0 win in the home opener for QC.  Kossinne led the Knights with three shots.  Sandoval and Maher each took a pair.

Robbie Webster also logged some time between the pipes for Queens.  Kossinne, Michael Vaghetti and Bryan Balladares all had their inaugural performances for QC in the game.

The Queens College men's soccer team returns to action on Sunday, September 14, when they face West Chester University in Pennsylvania.  The opening kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.