Men's Soccer Records Seven-Season High in Shots on Goal, Ties Rhode Island 0-0
BOX SCORE
KINGSTON, R.I. – Despite notching its highest shots on goal total since 2008, The University at Albany men's soccer squad (2-3-4) battled to a 0-0 double overtime tie at Rhode Island (4-3-3) on Saturday night.
“We created a lot of good chances tonight and really saw a good improvement in the attacking third,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Ultimately we just needed someone to take a chance and bury those chances.”
Rhode Island started the game with a 3-1 shot advantage, but the Rams failed to take a shot on goal through the first 35 minutes of the contest. The game's first shot on goal came from Anthony Rozzano in the 23rd minute. The junior midfielder caught the Rhode Island keeper off-guard, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Just four minutes later, Phil Denara had two quality looks after breaking free on the back post. Luke Palmateer registered a shot and save and Denara followed up on the rebound, but to no avail.
The game slowed down in the ensuing minutes of the first half, but the Great Danes continued to control play through the midfield. A corner in the final moments of the period from Denara gave Pedro Espindola his second shot of the game as time expired.
The Great Danes notched two shots on goal to open the second half. Dominic McGarr and UAlbany leading scorer Afonso Pinheiro put an attempt apiece on net, but the Rams keeper thwarted both looks early on.
The Purple & Gold did not register another shot on goal until the 73rd minute. Rozzano, Jonathan Interiano and Martin Gorrie tested the Rhode Island keeper, but came away empty handed. The UAlbany defense held strong in the final 20 minutes of regulation, conceding only three shots to the Rams.
Freshman Jake Barros made his minutes count in the first overtime period, registering both of the team's shots on goal. The Great Danes out-shot Rhode Island 4-2 in the second overtime period, but the game concluded in a 0-0 tie.
Eleven different Great Danes took at least one shot against Rhode Island. The teams combined for 40 shots without one goal. Trevor Gorman's squad posted a 12-5 advantage in shots on goal and a 9-7 edge in corner kicks.
Tim Allen picked up the shutout between the posts, tying a season high with five saves against the Rams.
The last time the Purple & Gold tallied more than 10 shots on goal was in 2008, in a Sept. 21 home game against Siena. Ironically, current Rhode Island coach Gareth Elliott was at the helm of the Saints at the time.
UAlbany returns to Bob Ford Field on Tuesday for a nightcap against St. Francis Brooklyn (4-4-1) at 7:00 p.m. The Purple & Gold opens conference play by hosting Vermont next Saturday at noon.
