Bulls Conclude Tour Of England Unbeaten; Cruises Past FirstPoint USA, 5-0
3/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Steven Stryker post match interview
STOCKPORT, ENGLAND – Playing in their fourth match in six days, the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York men's soccer team showed no signs of slowing down as they completely dominated FirstPoint USA, 5-0. The Bulls came out strong with a pair of first half goals and closed out the match with three quick goals in the second to improve to 4-0 on their Tour of England.
"I can't speak highly enough of the way the lads have performed this week and today was another terrific showing," stated head coach Stu Riddle. "Our ball movement, finishing and fitness levels have been very impressive all tour but today all facets of our game were impeccable."
Nicolay Netskar opened the scoring for the Bulls early in the first half after a nice pass from Russell Cicerone led him in on goal all alone. Holding the 1-0 lead, UB goalkeeper Joseph Kuta made back-to-back nice saves including a diving stop to preserve the lead for the Bulls.
Cicerone stayed hot for the Bulls later in the opening half as he curled a shot in just off the fingertips of the FirstPoint USA goalkeeper and into the back of the net for his fifth goal of the tour. Marcus Hanson collected the assist on Cicerone's marker.
Making multiple changes to the starting group after halftime didn't disrupt the Bulls momentum early in the second half. The Bulls new group came out flying around the pitch and were rewarded early on as Steven Stryker notched his first of the game. Stryker received a nice pass from Scott Doney and deposited it in the back of the net for his second of the tour.
Stryker came right back just two minutes later and gave the Bulls the 4-0 lead as he finished from in close after another assist from Hanson.
After scoring his second goal, Stryker had to leave the game to get repairs to his mouth. Athletic trainer Lauren Duft patched Stryker up and got him back in the game within moments. After returning, Stryker received a perfect flick off the head of Doney and got free down the left sideline and netted his hat trick goal, beating the keeper between the legs. The hat trick was Stryker's first of his career.
The UB backline continued their stellar play down the stretch in the second half not allowing the opposition any dangerous chances on keeper Cameron Hogg as they earned their second clean sheet of the tour.
"The experience and confidence the team have received from this trip have been nothing short of phenomenal and we are all excited to continue the progress back on US soil next week," said Riddle.
Buffalo will return to the pitch next weekend as they will host St. Bonaventure and Olivet College on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm respectively.
