By Kenny Barto
The CCSU men’s soccer team faced a nationally ranked opponent on Sunday, and was shut out 1-0 in their second Northeast Conference game of the year. The 10th ranked Monmouth Hawks came to Arute Field as the highest ranked team to step on campus in any sport, and they proved difficult to deal with.
“They’re an outstanding team,” said head coach Shaun Green. “They were fourth in the country last week, and I think anyone who watched the whole game thought it was an even one.”
The Blue Devils were flustered by the Hawks defense the entire game, and were only able to get one shot on goal, which came in the 16th minute by Gamba Palavicini. On the other side, Monmouth scattered five shots on goal, two in the first and three in the second.
The first half proved to be quiet, most of the play happening in the midfield. Both teams were physical and head referee Guido Gonzales let them play.
The action in the second half didn’t seem to change, as the midfield seemed to be where most of the game was taking place. Monmouth seemed to have an edge in time of possession, and Hawks finally got their chance in the 68th minute. Forward Chase Barbieri passed it down the right side of the field to RJ Allen, who was able to juke around the CCSU defender and score on a tough angle.
Down 1-0, the Blue Devils kept making attempts to push downfield, but could not get passed the tough Monmouth defense that has faced tough teams such as West Virginia and Seton Hall. Their best opportunity came in the 85th minute when a pass by captain Connor Smith found Shawn Buchanan in the box. Buchanan was unable to get the ball on net, as the ball went a few feet wide of the post.
In the 90th minute, Connor Smith became frustrated after a ruling on a foul against CCSU, and immediately started yelling at the head referee. He was subsequently given two yellow cards, a mandatory ejection and suspension of one game.
“I won’t tolerate that kind of lack of control and he’ll be suspended, even more than what he’ll get for that card,” said Green. “It’s not what I’m about as a coach; you’ve got to keep your cool.”
Although it’s undetermined how long Smith will be out, it’s likely he will not play in their next two road games at Robert Morris and Saint Francis (PA).
Although the Blue Devils could not pull off the upset, coach Green was encouraged what he saw in his team.
“I’m really happy with our defense, our midfield played really well and our goalkeeping was fantastic,” he said. “We’re not happy with the result, but we’re definitely progressing in terms of performance.”
With the loss, CCSU falls to 3-6 on the season and 0-2 in NEC action.
“We’re not letting it affect our spirit,” said Green. “I think our work ethic isn’t getting reflected into the results we’ve been getting, but I’m happy with how we’ve been playing.”
The Blue Devils won’t return home until October 17th, after they hit the road to Pennsylvania to face Robert Morris and Saint Francis (PA).