After a stretch in which the RPI men’s soccer team played five games in nine days, Head Coach Adam Clinton and the Red Hawks anxiously awaited a chance to heal their wounds. This past week was just what Rensselaer needed, as the men were given an opportunity to rest up, get injuries taken care of, and bring fresh bodies back on the field. They played one lone game on Saturday afternoon versus Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
As the match began, there was an energetic feeling among the Red Hawk players who were hyped up, but it took about 15 minutes for RPI to settle in and get a hold of the game.
Freshman Lincoln Field opened up the scoring after beating a defender, drawing the goalie out slightly, and then chipping the ball over the keeper’s head for the goal. Rensselaer wasn’t satisfied with the one goal, and sophomore Tim Wisner made sure they got more. Junior Aaron Gundle made a good cross to Wisner, who side footed the ball inside the post giving RPI a 2-0 lead.
Less than a minute later, Field received a cross and headed it to junior Gary Sroka, who netted it for the Red Hawks’ third score, and that would be the tally as halftime arrived.
“Our three first-half scores were all good sequences of play and possession of the ball. We had been working on it in practice, and it was good to see executed,” said Clinton.
When play continued in the second half, RPI picked up right where they left off. As they began to take control of the game, Clinton made a few substitutions. “I was able to get playing time for a few of the players who haven’t gotten in much in the early part of the season, so it was great for me to get to see some of my other players in action,” said Clinton of the opportunity.
The Red Hawks’ fourth goal came when they jumped on an MCLA mistake and were able to finish. Freshman Jabel Prom scored the unassisted goal at the 56:27 mark, increasing RPI’s advantage. Prom would then later assist on Rensselaer’s final goal, a score by sophomore Brandon LeFevre, in the game’s closing minutes.
In terms of possession time, the Red Hawks were dominant, controlling the ball for about 80 percent of play.
With the win, RPI improves to 4-2 on the season. “I still think we need to be better, and there are some things we can work on in practice,” said Clinton. He added, “We will work on keeping the ball, and being more and more confident with it at our feet. In addition, I want the defense to be high energy and pressure our opponents, so this week we will have a few hard days of training, then pace ourselves as we prepare for play.”
This upcoming week is a Liberty League week for the Red Hawks; with competition heating up, the Red Hawks will need all the support they can get. Clinton emphasized how greatly appreciated the crowd support has been this season, and what a factor it is in giving his players energy.
With upcoming opponents likely bringing high levels of competition, the importance of each game rises as well. “We have our work cut out for us, and more importantly, we’re playing for points in the league to help us out in tournament play. This is when the intensity steps up,” said Clinton. Look for the Red Hawks to keep things moving in the right direction at Harkness Field this weekend when they take on Hobart Friday at 3 pm, and then Hamilton on Saturday at 1 pm.
