Allen Posts Second-Straight Shutout in 0-0 Double Overtime Tie Against St. Francis Brooklyn
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – In its fourth consecutive double overtime contest, University at Albany men's soccer (2-3-5) tied St. Francis Brooklyn (4-4-2) 0-0 at home on Tuesday night. The Great Danes kick off America East play on Saturday from Bob Ford Field against Vermont at noon.
“We played well again tonight, and controlled much of the game,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Offensively we were a threat, but we need that final product in the box. Defensively our shape and composure was excellent, so we have a solid base to build on for Saturday.”
Much of the first half took place in the midfield, as neither team found the handle for most of the opening stanza. Tim Allen made a save to tally the only shot on goal for St. Francis in 45 minutes early in the period.
Philip Persson entered the game in the 28th minute, and served up a corner kick shortly after. The service found Dominic McGarr far side, but the senior's shot from just inside the 18-yard box nailed the crossbar.
The Terriers managed a shot off a corner to close the half, but the attempt went wide. St. Francis Brooklyn took a narrow 5-4 shot advantage into the break.
UAlbany spent the beginning of the second half dominating its offensive third. Pedro Espindola came down the right side with just three minutes gone looking to send a cross far post. The sophomore beat two Terrier defenders before connecting with Jonathan Interiano across the six. Interiano left the ball for Persson, who narrowly missed beating the Terrier goalie for the shot.
In the 55th minute, Ivan Martinez broke through the middle of the field to find Persson on the left side, but Persson's service missed Interiano and Espindola far side.
On the St. Francis Brooklyn counterattack, the Terriers managed to earn a set piece 30 yards out with 23 minutes left in regulation. The Terriers put the service right on the money, but Allen intercepted the ensuing header. Neither team had a quality look on net for the remainder of regulation.
St. Francis Brooklyn began the first overtime period energized, catching the Great Danes off-guard early. The Terriers sent a cross from the left side toward an open far post, but Luke Palmateer headed the service away enough to interrupt the attempt.
In the second overtime, Brandon Wilson caught St. Francis on its heels, taking advantage of a defensive miscue deep in the Terrier end. The senior fired a shot in a one-on-one opportunity with the goalie, but the St. Francis keeper came off his line enough to make the grab.
Anthony Rozzano flicked a cross through the six from the left side with five minutes left, but couldn't connect with anyone on the other end. After 110 minutes the game concluded in a 0-0 tie.
UAlbany men's soccer opens its conference slate on Saturday at noon against Vermont (5-3-1). The Saturday matinee marks a rematch of the 2013 America East Semifinals in Burlington, when the Great Danes downed the Catamounts 5-1 to advance.
