By: Andrew Nowel, Contributor
It hasn’t been the season that men’s soccer head coach Michael Tanke and his team imagined as the Griffs pass the halfway point of their MAAC schedule. They are scoring under a goal per game, and are struggling to find ways to earn wins. However, with three games left, the Griffs look to end their season on a positive note and potentially sneak into the MAAC Championships.
After starting conference play 0–2–1, the Griffs returned home to face the Sacred Heart Pioneers for the first-ever recorded matchup between the programs. Senior forward Ely Sidibe created numerous chances with his speed, which eventually led to the cross from sophomore forward Mason Petrucci, who found the head of junior midfielder Glodie Mata for the first goal of the game.
Despite the efforts of sophomore goalkeeper Kennan King in net – which included making five saves – the Pioneers capitalized on a quality scoring opportunity and penalty kick to win the game 2–1.
The Griffs went back on the road against Siena on Wednesday, Oct. 23, earning a draw against the Saints. Junior Josh Miller scored his first goal of the season in the 1–1 tie, with junior Michael Switala picking up his ninth point of the campaign with his assist.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Griffs will host the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers for Senior Day at 1 p.m., still in search of their first MAAC win of the season.
Photo Courtesy of Tom Wolf