The beleaguered men’s soccer team continued its tailspin this weekend, suffering another pair of conference losses that dropped the team’s overall record to 0-6.
On Friday, the team took on the Golden Knights of Clarkson. The game started off well when junior Mike Greco scored from deep in the box less than eight minutes into the contest off a pass from Chris Bohren. Greco has both of the team’s goals so far this season.
Clarkson came right back, scoring less than a minute later when Jonathan Banz lifted the ball over Rensselaer’s defenders, and the Golden Knights’ Mike Bud was able to knock it in past RPI Goalie Marc Salmin.
The score remained 1-1 throughout regulation, with neither team able to break through the other’s defense. The deadlock continued throughout the first overtime period. The Red Hawks nearly escaped with a draw, but Banz’s 20-yard shot three minutes into the second overtime caught the post and deflected in, handing RPI its fourth one-goal loss of the year.
Saturday’s match was not nearly so close. The Red Hawks travelled to Canton, N.Y., to take on a tough St. Lawrence squad. Rensselaer was clearly overmatched here, and was blown out by a score of 4-0.
This loss was the fourth time RPI has been shut out this season, but only the first time that the team has given up more than two goals in a game.
One bright spot for the team has been the play of Salmin, who picked up 27 saves in the weekend’s matches and now has over 50 saves this season.
Aldo Nardiello, head coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, said "In the words of Dickens, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ I just hope our guys can catch a few breaks this week."
The Red Hawks’ next game is this afternoon at New Paltz. Their first home match of the season will be on Tuesday, October 9, when they host the Keuka Storm.
