MITCHELL EDGES EMMANUEL IN MEN'S SOCCER ACTION
Sept. 29, 2008
SOMERVILLE, MA - Emmanuel fell to visiting Mitchell College on Monday night in non-conference men's soccer action at Dilboy Stadium. The Saints found themselves in a hole early, as the Mariners quickly racked up two goals in the opening ten minutes of play. Emmanuel put together a late second half rally, but could hold off the Mariners, as the visitors came away with a 3-2 win.
The Mariners began their early run, when rookie forward James Gleason (Woodstock, CT) drove a ball from the right side that was deflected by Emmanuel keeper Carlo Perez (Boca Raton, FL). Senior forward Josh Griffo (Higganum, CT) knocked in the rebound, putting Mitchell on the board at 6:30. The Mariners scored again just three minutes later, when Joel Blancaflor (Haddam, CT) was assisted by Justin Curtis (Fairfield, CT) at 9:45.
The Saints managed to hold the Mariners scoreless for the remainder of the half, despite being out-shot, 8-4. Mitchell was able to take a two-goal lead into the break. The Saints picked up the intensity in the second half and matched the Mariners' shooting effort, with both teams taking eight shots apiece.
After a Mitchell handball in the box and a subsequent red card in the 70th minute, Emmanuel's freshman midfielder Mathew Koenemann (Montpelier, VT) drilled a penalty kick past Mitchell keeper Andrew Hall (Natick, MA) for the Saints' first goal of the game. The Mariners held onto the 2-1 lead for the next fifteen minutes, despite playing a man down. Emmanuel was then called for a penalty in the box and Griffo converted the PK for the Mariners, giving Mitchell a 3-1 edge.
The Saints continued to press late in the game and tacked on one more goal in the 89th minute. Sophomore forward Gavin Molta (Southwick, MA) scored his 5th goal of the season with an assist from rookie Corey McLean (Rockport, ME), pulling the Saints within one again.
Perez made 7 saves in net for the Saints, while Hall notched 3 saves for the Mariners. Emmanuel dropped to 3-4-1 on the season, while Mitchell improved to 4-5 overall. The Saints will host Framingham State College on Wednesday night in non-conference action, beginning at 8pm at Dilboy Stadium.