University at Buffalo
3-8-1, 0-0-1
Lafayette
5-6-2, 1-3-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lafayette | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Bulls Drop Heartbreaker In Final Minute At Lafayette, 1-0
10/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
EASTON, PA - The State University of New York, Buffalo men's soccer team (3-8-1, 0-0-1 MAC) saw one of their strongest efforts of the season go to the way side as they dropped a non-conference match at Lafayette on Tuesday night, 1-0. The Leopards picked up the game-winning tally in the final minute of regulation.
"We had enough clear scoring chances to finish the game off in the first half but didn't convert on those chances," said head coach Stu Riddle. "We were punished by a scramble in the box right at the death because of our inability to deal with the free kick sent in. It's frustrating for all involved but Bowling Green now becomes our primary focus, not lamenting missed opportunities."
The Bulls jumped out quick in the first half as they recorded the first five shots of the contest but they were not able to beat the freshman goalkeeper of Lafayette. Junior Marcus Hanson had the first attempt but his shot was turned away then Russell Cicerone sent one just wide. Over the next two minutes, Steven Stryker and Sean Young each saw their attempts saved by the Leopards goalie.
Heading into halftime, the Bulls held the 8-5 advantage in shots while the Leopards goalie was asked to make five saves through the opening 45 minutes of play. Waleed Cassis made three saves in the first half.
As the chippy second half wore down, Stryker almost gave the Bulls the lead in the 75th minute but his header attempt was forced out of play by the keeper. On the ensuing corner by Nicolai Berry, the Bulls were not able to break through with a goal.
Following a huge diving save in the 86th minute by Cassis, Lafayette found the back of the net with the game-winning marker in the final minute of action. UB committed a foul which allowed the Leopards a free kick which ended up in the back of the net after the Bulls were unable to clear the ball from their box. Eric West fought with the UB defender and beat Cassis in the low right corner for the games lone goal.
Cassis had a strong effort for the Bulls as he finished with a season-best eight saves in the loss while his counterpart Brad Seeber earned the clean sheet with eight saves.
For the game, UB held the slim 14-13 advantage in shots and the 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Hanson led all players with three shots on goal while Cicerone and Stryker each recorded two shots in the loss.
UB will return to the pitch on Saturday, October 18 as they head to MAC foe Bowling Green for a match at 7:00 pm.
Team Stats
West, Eric (2)
Assisted By: Golini, Alec
dribbled around in box, finished by west
89:02
