Helen Bradley

Staff Writer

The first day of ESU’s fall sports season began with the men’s soccer team playing at Eiler-Martin Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5 against Molloy.

Last year the men’s soccer team finished their season 9-8-1 and had a heartbreaking loss in the PSAC Semi-finals to West Chester. 

ESU dominated the first half, outshooting Molloy 5-1.

However, the Lions played hard, keeping midfield possession for most of the half with only a few plays in front of their net.

The Warriors looked to add to the scoreboard in the second half, taking eight shots on goal compared to Molloy’s three shots. However, the Lions responded with stronger attacks than the first half.

Officiating became a frustration for both teams with a lack of calls.

With 10:38 remaining, Molloy scored, equalizing the score 1-1 with a header from Nick Biglin straight past ESU keeper Miele and redshirt freshmen defender Oliver Verity.

The Warriors didn’t let this deter them, fighting to the finish with multiple shots on target missing the net by inches.

However, time was not on their side as they were tied up at the end of regulation.

The draw meant exciting overtime of two ten minutes periods of sudden death where a goal would be an automatic win.

ESU dominated the overtime with a total of five shots across both periods.

They had a big opportunity early on of the first overtime with a two on one attack, however, freshmen forward Bradley Turocy sent a soft shot towards the net which Molloy’s goalkeeper stopped easily.

Both goalkeepers would steal the show in the second overtime as ESU redshirt sophomore Evan Miele stopped an attempt by Bordenca in the 104th minute.

Molloy’s keeper Mejia would make a pair of saves in the 102nd minute and 106th minute to keep the score at 1-1.

Senior Irvin Zuzic said the game “was a tough one. It was a tie that felt like a loss.”

ESU retakes the field at Eiler-Martin Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. against Felician.

Email Helen at:

hbradley2@live.esu.edu