Pinheiro's Record-Breaking Performance Secures Home Field Tournament Play for Men's Soccer in 3-0 Shutout at Vermont

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BURLINGTON, VT. – On a four-game winning streak in conference play, University at Albany men's soccer (9-7-1, 4-2 AE) has locked up an America East Tournament home game at Casey Stadium with a 3-0 victory at Vermont (8-6-3, 2-2-2 AE). Sophomore forward Afonso Pinheiro led the way with five points on two goals and one assist. He is now the Division I program leader in single-season goals with 10.

“Today was a great result on the road,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “It was a typical UAlbany vs. Vermont battle, and we did a good job of seizing our opportunities on goals. This time of year all the games are exciting, and we're looking forward to our match at Binghamton on Wednesday.”

Crashing Vermont's senior day, UAlbany got off to a quick start in the offensive end. A Moosah Khanat corner kick led to a Pinheiro ball across the six-yard box. Khanat crashed the goal for a header shot, but it was saved.

After Vermont went down to the other end, Danny Vitiello punched away the Catamount service to send UAlbany down the other way for Pinheiro's first shot of the afternoon. He fired to the lower left corner, but a diving save kept the score tied 0-0.

The Catamounts rebounded after the slow start for a series of off-target shots. With UAlbany breaking out of the box after a corner, a pass down the right side found its way to the foot of a Vermont player. Vitiello made the save on a chip shot down the middle.

With a defensive scare behind them, the Great Danes charged downfield behind Khanat. A lofty pass into the 18-yard box resulted in a penalty kick for the Purple & Gold on a hand-ball call. Pinheiro sank the ensuing PK easily for a 1-0 lead with 20 minutes gone in the first half.

As UAlbany continued to win the battle of 50/50 balls, Jake Barros came out on a favorable end of a Vitiello goal kick. The sophomore fired to the near post just inside the box, but Vermont goalkeeper Greg Walton again made a diving stop.

Barros came back for another quality look with 15 minutes left to play. Keith Traut played a free kick up to the left corner of the 18. Pinheiro flicked the ball on to Barros, who fired wide.

On a Khanat corner kick in the 36th minute, several Danes headed the ball around looking to make a play, eventually dropping to the feet of Jonathan Interiano. The junior converted on a near-open net for a 2-0 UAlbany lead on his first goal of the season. Gorman's squad would take that 2-0 edge into halftime.

Vermont's frustration began to show to open the second half. The Catamounts were assessed a team yellow for delay of game after failing to report to the field on time. Two Vermont players proceed to pick up yellows in the opening five minutes.

In the 55th minute, a deflected shot in the box nearly found the back of the net for Vermont, but Vitiello made the stop to maintain a two-goal cushion.

UAlbany kept its defensive prowess going through the middle of the second half, putting pressure on the Vermont back line. Carlos Clark headed down a Catamount goal kick in the 62nd minute, and the ball fell to Philip Persson. Persson played Pinheiro down the right side, catching Vermont's defense off-guard. Pinheiro knocked in a shot from the right side for a 3-0 advantage that would hold for 25 more minutes.

With two goals on Saturday afternoon, Afonso Pinheiro became the new UAlbany Division I program leader in single season goals with 10. He passed 2008 standout Claudio Dantas. Just a sophomore, Pinheiro is tied for first in Division I program history in career goals with 17 and career points with 39.  He is also second in D-I UAlbany single season points with 23 so far in 2015.

The Danes are now fully in charge of their own destiny in the America East Tournament. Gorman & co., could finish anywhere between No. 1 and No. 4 depending on a result at Binghamton next week. A quarterfinal match-up would take place at Casey Stadium on Nov. 7 without a bye at No. 3 or No. 4.

If UAlbany is a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, the Danes would host in the semifinal round on Wednesday, Nov. 11. A victory against the Bearcats next Wednesday would give the Purple & Gold its first ever men's soccer Division I league regular season title and No. 1 seed.

The final regular season game of 2015, UAlbany men's soccer visits Binghamton (8-6-2, 3-2-1 AE) on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:00pm.

AMERICA EAST MEN'S SOCCER STANDINGS – OCT. 31