Men's Soccer Falls 2-1 to Vermont in America East Quarterfinal
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer (4-9-6) took an early 1-0 lead against Vermont at Bob Ford Field on Saturday morning, but the Great Danes couldn't hold on and were eliminated from the postseason in a 2-1 loss.
UAlbany controlled the pace of the play to start, winning two set pieces in the first five minutes of the game. Shots from Dominic McGarr and Leo Melgar sailed off-target, but America East Co-Rookie of the Year Afonso Pinheiro had a nose for the goal early with a shot and save in the seventh minute.
Pinheiro continued threatening on the offensive end, and a long ball from Keith Traut left the freshman with just one defender to beat to goal. Pinheiro scored to give UAlbany a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute, his seventh of the year.
Vermont's speedy front line rebounded quickly, as America East First Team selection Brian Wright scored his eighth goal of the season with 15 minutes left in the half.
The Catamounts remained in UAlbany's end for the remainder of the half, but saves by Michael Pizzuti kept the score tied at one going into the break.
Shots were even for the teams in the first 13 minutes of the second half, but the Great Danes again began to assert control mid-way through the period. Pinheiro fired another shot on goal, followed by an attempt by Ivan Martinez that went wide.
Vermont tallied the only shot for a 20-minute period in the second half. The Catamounts found their game-winner with four minutes left in regulation from Bernard Yeboah.
Pizzuti made four saves between the posts in the loss. UAlbany concludes its season with a record of 4-9-6 in its fourth straight America East Tournament appearance.
