Junior Craig DiDomenico picked up the 2004 soccer season right where he left off last year as the forward scored the game-tying goal with just minutes left in regulation, sending the Red Hawks to a 2-2 tie with Southern Maine the opening contest for both teams Saturday night in Clifton Park.
Rensselaer, who also defeated Potsdam 2-1 Sunday, relied heavily on DiDomenico last season.
The lighting quick 5-10, 170 pound forward lead the team with an impressive eight goals, and 18 points in 2003, and wasted little time in getting started again.
Senior Eric Jacob, who scored just two goals last season, netted the Red Hawks’ first goal of the season just 15 minutes into the contest.
Despite taking the early lead, RPI found themselves trailing late before DiDomenico chimed in with his heroics.
Both teams battled, but failed to find the net in two overtime periods.
Sunday against Potsdam, Rensselaer showed no signs of fatigue despite playing two extra sessions the night before, as they jumped out to another early lead on junior Ed Sellitto’s goal just 15 minutes into the game.
Minutes later, the charged Red Hawks tallied their second and final goal of the game as freshman Gary Sroka delivered a strike to classmate Sal Mangano for his first collegiate goal.
Rensselaer will be back in action next weekend in Schenectady, at the Union College Classic. The Red Hawks will face Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday and SUNY-New Paltz on Sunday. Both games begin at 2:30 pm.
