Melgar's Game-Winner in 78th Minute Propels Men's Soccer to 1-0 Win Against Rhode Island
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany men's soccer (1-1-0) finished the weekend on a high note Sunday, edging Rhode Island (1-1-0) 1-0 at Bob Ford Field. Junior Leo Melgar knocked in the game-winning goal from Martin Gorrie.
Pedro Espindola got the game off to a quick start, flying down the left side to put a shot on goal in the third minute. The Rams would rebound after an interception in the midfield and head into their own end, but two Rhode Island shots were blocked before reaching the net.
Espindola continued to have opportunities down the left flank, but Eric Orologio made a pair of critical saves in the UAlbany half to send the junior downfield. The Rams registered three corner kicks in less than two minutes mid-way through the half.
Both teams made substitutions early and often through the first half. With humid conditions, pace of play slowed through the midfield to close out the period.
The Danes emerged at the break revitalized, as Afonso Pinheiro had a quality look to kick off the second half. The sophomore drilled a shot down the middle, but Rams goalkeeper Nils Leifhelm punched it away and over the goal.
On UAlbany's first corner kick of the match in the 64th minute, Gorrie connected with Melgar on the service, but Leifhelm again made the save.
Melgar had two more looks at the goal, before finally converting in the 78th minute. Gorrie sent Melgar through the middle of the 18-yard-box; Melgar split his defenders and sent a line drive past Leifhelm.
The Rams made an attempt to shift the momentum, but two late saves by Orologio secured the win for the Danes.
UAlbany picked up its first win of 2015, and Orologio earned his second career victory between the posts with the clean sheet.
Next up, the Purple & Gold hits the road for George Mason (1-0-0) on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m.
