PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle men's soccer team continued its best start since at least the 2001 season with a 3-0 shutout of Manhattan on a stifling hot day at McCarthy Stadium on Saturday. The Explorers, under first year head coach Rob Irvine, are now 4-1.

"It didn't feel like a three goal game," Irvine said. "It felt like a pretty even game. We generated more chances tonight than all season long, so that's a positive to take from today's game."

Conor Nichols, Hayden Criollo and Johnny Ciarlante all found the back of the net for the Explorers, who have scored seven goals in their last two contests. Mike Kirk needed to make only one save for his third shutout of the season. 

The game remained scoreless for most of the first half, despite La Salle peppering the Manhattan net, until the 41st minute. Nichols headed in a pass from Tony Daniele to put the Blue and Gold on the board.

Eight minutes after halftime, Criollo headed in a goal to make it 2-0. Matt Robinson and Colman Kennedy each had assists on the play. For Robinson, it was his team-best fifth helper of the year.

Ciarlante added an insurance goal in the 86th minute. Jake Saba had the assist.

La Salle had a 16-9 advantage in shots, while Manhattan (0-4) had a 5-2 lead in corner kicks.

The Explorers hit the road on Tuesday at James Madison at 7 PM. 

"We just have to continue to work hard," Irvine said. "We'll take the momentum of the win but we face new challenges now."