Pinheiro and Melgar Score Two Each as Men's Soccer Dominates UMass 4-0
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y.- In its top regular season offensive effort since 2008, University at Albany men's soccer (3-1-0) made it three in a row against UMass at Bob Ford Field on Thursday with a 4-0 victory. Afonso Pinheiro and Leo Melgar scored two goals each.
“We're happy to get a good win at home, and to score some goals,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “We came out and played well from the start, and I was pleased to see us take control of the game. It's nice to keep the momentum going heading into another tough match on Sunday.”
Building out of the back in the 15th minute, reigning America East Rookie of the Year Afonso Pinheiro turned on his defender from 20 yards out to fire upper-90 for a 1-0 lead. The sophomore's first goal of the season came from Melgar. Pinheiro registered the first shot of the game with the goal.
The offense followed quickly and easily in the next few minutes, as Melgar scored a goal of his own four minutes later. The junior got a pass from countryman Pedro Espindola for a shot to the left post. Luke Palmateer made the initial advance from the defensive line.
UAlbany continued to edge UMass in shots in the first half, as Pinheiro, Melgar and Nico Solabarrieta attacked the net mid-way through the period.
The effort paid off in the 33rd minute. Jake Barros streaked down the left side, hooking up with Pinheiro for his second goal of the night. The sophomore slid past his defender to bury another shot in the right corner for a 3-0 lead with 13 minutes left in the half.
Turnovers plagued the Minutemen through the midfield, who made a number of substitutions looking for an effective combination. UMass failed to get off a shot on the Danes back line in the first 45 minutes.
Five minutes into the second stanza, Melgar notched the final tally of the game. Espindola fed Melgar near post for the goal. Melgar now has four goals on the year. With five points, he also ranks tied for second in single-game points in the UAlbany Division I era.
The Minutemen registered one shot on goal, as Danny Vitiello picked up his first career win in the 4-0 shutout victory. The redshirt freshman made one save.
UAlbany has won three in a row for the first time since 2012. The Danes out-shot UMass 14-4, and did not allow a corner kick. The Purple & Gold has posted three straight shutouts. The Danes defense has not allowed a goal for 273 minutes.
The Danes will go for four consecutive wins this Sunday at 4:00 p.m., facing Dartmouth (1-0-1) at Bob Ford Field.
