By: Ryan Patota, Sports Reporter
It’s been a long time off for the Canisius men’s soccer team, having their last game back on Sept. 17 away at Syracuse in a 5-1 loss. The team started their highly anticipated MAAC schedule on the road this past Saturday against the Manhattan Jaspers, but were unsuccessful as they were shut out by a score of 3-0.
Despite being shut out in a field flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Canisius Golden Griffins still ranked third in scoring averages amongst MAAC teams, with 1.68 goals scored per game.
The team had to put their first MAAC game aside and quickly turn back around on the road as they played in their final non-conference game of the season against Robert Morris in Moon Township, PA on Tuesday afternoon. The Golden Griffins were dominated in shots on goal as Robert Morris piled ten on, while Canisius put two shots on goal. The Colonials took advantage of pressuring the Golden Griffins early and often throughout the game, scoring five first-half goals, and leading to a 5-1 loss for Canisius. Their lone goal of the game came with Canisius's first shot on goal, scored by senior forward Ely Sidibe.
During their current three-game losing streak, the Golden Griffins have been outscored by a combined 13–1. Head Coach Michael Tanke wants the team to improve defensively. “We have to get back to team defending, especially defending in and around our 18-yard box.” In order to create scoring chances and put the ball in the back of the net, “we need to cross from better areas on the pitch and have guys in the right position to score when those passes are made.” Before the losing streak the Golden Griffins were having a lot of success putting the ball in the back of the net, as they had scored 12 goals in the first six games of the season.
Coach Tanke put it in perspective that to get back on track the men’s soccer team, “has to focus on one game at a time, put their sole focus on the next game,” and move on to snap the losing streak they are currently on. The Golden Griffins will return home for conference play against the Saint Peter’s Peacocks at the Demske Sports Complex in the annual Athletes for Athletes game this upcoming Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Ken Morey
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