Men's Soccer Takes Early Lead Against RV Monmouth, Falls 2-1 in Double Overtime
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer (1-1-2) took its first loss of the season in double overtime to RV Monmouth (2-1) on Sunday afternoon. Bernardo Mattos notched UAlbany's goal from Philip Persson in the 22nd minute.
“It's a difficult result to take,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Certainly coming off an identical ending in regulation from Friday night is tough. I don't think I've ever been part of a weekend of games like this one. We did almost enough to win two games, but we have to get back to work and become even better moving forward.”
The Great Danes got their first quality look with nearly eight minutes gone. Luke Palmateer came up the left side and serviced far post, requiring a punch-out from Monmouth's goalkeeper. Anthony Rozzano gathered the rebound but fired high.
The Hawks took a penalty kick nearly eight minutes later on the left side, finding a Hawk on the far post for a header back towards the six-yard box. Monmouth's Colin Stripling fired at point-blank range but Tim Allen made the save in traffic.
Persson set up 10 yards outside the 18-yard box for a free kick with 22 minutes gone, finding Mattos on the set piece to give UAlbany a 1-0 lead. Martin Gorrie took the only shot on goal between the two teams for the remainder of the half.
UAlbany registered two early shots from Afonso Pinheiro and Pedro Espindola to open the second period, but Monmouth pushed into the Purple & Gold's half by the 70-minute mark. The Hawks out-shot the Great Danes 8-2 in the closing 20 minutes of regulation, including the game-tying goal with 1:46 on the clock. Espindola fought through two Monmouth defenders late in regulation and fired from just outside the 18-yard box, but the Monmouth keeper stepped in for the save.
In the first overtime period, the Great Danes put pressure on the Hawks defensive line. Gorrie kept the ball alive on the right side of the Monmouth goal line with a high service attempt. Monmouth's goalie lost the ball in the sun momentarily and bobbled the grab, but Jake Barros was unable to convert far post on the opportunity.
Early in the second overtime, a Monmouth foul set up another free kick for the Great Danes. Keith Traut served up a ball that nearly connected with several UAlbany heads for the gamewinner, but Monmouth swallowed up the opportunity and headed downfield for a score of its own.
UAlbany men's soccer returns to action at Bob Ford Field on Friday, Sept. 12 against Iona (0-2-1) at 7:30 p.m.
