Men's Soccer Concludes Successful 2014 Preseason
MEN'S SOCCER SCHEDULE
JAMES MADISON LIVE STATS
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer wrapped up preseason this past week, and looks forward to opening weekend against Appalachian State and James Madison.
The Great Danes traveled to Boston last Sunday to face Northeastern in the first of two exhibition matches. In its home exhibition match against Marist on Thursday, the Purple & Gold emerged with a 2-0 win against the Red Foxes at Bob Ford Field.
“The ability for so many guys to get valuable minutes against outside opposition is very important this time of year,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “It was good to get a positive result against Marist. Those 90 minutes, along with the previous game against Northeastern, help us move forward in our preparation for the season opener next Friday.”
Exhibition play proved a chance to test possible combinations with eight newcomers. Leo Melgar found sophomore transfer Pedro Espindola across the six-yard box in the eighth minute to give UAlbany a 1-0 lead against Marist.
"The new guys are showing a lot of potential and they have really given us great depth within the team,” said junior captain Philip Persson. “They've watched and learned from the older guys as well. Obviously there is still work to be done, but based on these two games the future looks very promising."
Late in the second half, Jake Barros took on three defenders in the 18-yard box to find the back of the net unassisted. UAlbany out-shot Marist 17-5 and 11-3 in the second half.
"We are building off of last season,” said senior midfielder Brandon Wilson. “We have a great mix of confident new players, and older experienced guys all working toward achieving success.”
Tim Allen started in net and played 70 minutes with one save against the Red Foxes. Sophomore Michael Pizzuti closed out the match with one save.
"We're excited for the opportunity to win a conference championship for the first time in our program's D-I history,” added junior midfielder Phil Denara. “We're looking to try to set a new standard for UAlbany Men's Soccer.”
The Great Danes open the 2014 season with a pair of games in Harrisonburg, Va. Gorman's squad faces Appalachian State on Friday, Aug. 29 at 5:00 p.m. The Dukes of James Madison host UAlbany at 2:30 p.m., on Sunday Aug. 31.
