Men's Soccer Attracts Record Crowd in 3-0 Loss to Villanova
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer (0-1-0) hosted a Bob Ford Field soccer record crowd of 2,637 fans on Friday night, falling to Villanova 3-0 in its season opener.
“We're disappointed with the final score, because we played well in the first half and felt comfortable at the break,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Unfortunately an early set piece changed the game, with credit to Villanova that they used that advantage to build toward a winning result on the road. It's early in the season, and we had fantastic support from our fans tonight. We'll be ready to get back out there for the fans on Sunday.”
UAlbany kept the ball in the Villanova half early on, forcing a free kick 20 yards out and two corner kicks in the first 10 minutes. Pedro Espindola put a quality look on target in the 20th minute for the Purple & Gold's first shot on goal.
In his first career time between the posts, Danny Vitiello punched out a Wildcat attempt with 20 minutes gone in the first half. The redshirt freshman made two more saves in the closing minutes of the first half to keep the game tied at zero.
The team's returning leading scorer Afonso Pinheiro looked to make it count on the other end, but his attempt was saved.
At the break, the Purple & gold held a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
Less than five minutes into the second half, the Wildcats earned a throw-in deep in the UAlbany end. Villanova tossed the long throw towards the six, and a header found its way to the back of the net, putting the Danes down 1-0.
Espindola responded with a line drive on goal, but Villanova regained the momentum in the UAlbany offensive half. Vitiello made three saves and saw one curling shot hit the post, but the Wildcats eventually emerged with a 2-0 lead in the 65th minute.
As the Purple & Gold fought for control of possession, three yellow cards were issued between the two teams in less than 10 minutes mid-way through the second half.
The Danes struggled to connect through the midfield late in the game, and Villanova put the contest out of reach with a goal in the 88th minute.
Danny Vitiello made his first collegiate appearance and start in the loss. The redshirt freshman had seven saves between the posts.
Gorman & co., look to rebound with another home game on Sunday, a 4:00 p.m., contest against Rhode Island (1-0-0).
