By Nick Granados
Sports Editor
The ESU men’s soccer team fell to 4-9-1 (2-5 in PSAC play) following a 3-2 overtime loss last Saturday night against the Shippensburg Raiders.
The Raiders jumped out to a 2-0 lead following a tap-in goal in the 23rd minute from forward/ midfielder Fred Lucas and another tap-in in the 35th minute from midfielder Colt Arnold.
The Warriors got on the board in the 40th minute when junior forward Jonathan Stuppe deposited a loose ball into the goal amidst a group of players in front of the goal to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Warriors had a strong start to the second half and were looking to even the score at 2.
In the 74th minute, Jonathan Stuppe struck again and blasted a shot past Shippensburg goalkeeper Evan Raimist to tie the game up at 2.
The score remained tied at the end of regulation, and with 1:22 left in the first overtime session, Shippensburg’s Robert Furfaro blasted a shot high into the goal over ESU freshman goalkeeper Adam Alton from close range following a flurry of shots to give the Raiders the 3-2 win.
Although disappointed with the loss, head coach Rob Berkowitz remained positive after the game. “They fought their hearts out,” Berkowitz said. “We competed very hard and started a bit slow. It was good to get the two goals back.”
It was a back-and-forth battle which ultimately did not go the Warriors’ way, but Berkowitz was very pleased with their effort. “Disappointed, but proud of the effort tonight,” he said following the game.
Despite conceding three goals, including the overtime winner, ESU’s Adam Alton had a solid showing against the Raiders.
It was his third game that he played in this season, and his second career start at ESU. In just over 98 minutes, the freshman goalkeeper made 10 saves in a losing effort.
“The last two games, he’s really come on and given us a lift,” Berkowitz said. “He’s made some big saves to keep us in games, and he did a good job tonight.”
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Warriors, who fell to 4-9-1 (2-5) on the season. “We started a little bit slow and then we had a couple big wins,” Berkowitz said.
Despite the record, the team’s effort has not gone unnoticed, especially by Berkowitz. “The guys, they’re leaving it all out there,” he said. “We can’t ask for anything more than that right now.”
Email Nick at:
ngranados@live.esu.edu
