Men's Soccer Caps Undefeated Preseason

Tuesday, August 20

7 pm

University at Buffalo

Niagara

Buffalo

Men's Soccer Caps Undefeated Preseason

8/20/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo men's soccer team make tremendous strides in the preseason, assimilating all 15 newcomers into the lineup for a pair of preseason exhibition wins. The team ended its first week of camp with a 2-0 win over Big 4 rival and returning NCAA tournament team Niagara on Tuesday Aug. 20, and then beat Roberts Wesleyan 3-0 the following Saturday.

Against the Purple Eagles, the growing pains were on display early with seven new players in the starting lineup, but the team improved visibly in the run of play, culminating with the game's opening goal in the 44th minute. The UB defense won the ball, and Daniel Cramarossa put the ball right on point to Marek Albert, who was running a counter attack side-by-side with two Niagara defenders. He settled the ball and put it away top left to give the team a boost heading into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

In the second half, the Bulls looked like a seasoned group, despite sending out a starting 11 that was made up of nine newcomers and two sophomores. Kristian Lee-Him added the insurance goal in the 65th minute, taking a pass from the left wing from Jonathan Zvi and carrying it to the top of the box before blasting it into the lower right corner. As a team, Buffalo out-cornered Niagara 4-0 and out-shot the Eagles 7-4 in the second half. Waleed Cassis and Andrew Siviy each took a half between the pipes and combined for the shutout.

On Saturday, the team traveled to Rochester, NY to face the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks, a NCAA Division II program. With a new mix of players in the starting lineup, the offense built off of the solid final 50 minutes of the Niagara match and tallied three quick goals, all within four minutes of game time. Russell Cicerone opened the game with a penalty kick goal in the 17th minute, and Lee-Him would add another goal less than three minutes later, heading home a goal off an assist by Jake Jacobs in the box at the 19:09 mark. Cicerone would add his second goal of game early in the 21st minute, with an unassisted score.

The Bulls cruised from the early onslaught, posting game advantages in shots (10-4) and corner kicks (8-2). Cassis earned the full 90 minute start, making two saves in the shutout.

The regular season begins on Friday, with the team traveling to Olean to take on Big 4 rival St. Bonaventure as part of a doubleheader with the women's soccer team. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30, immediately following the women's match.