The Central Connecticut State University men’s soccer team got off to a hot start in their home opener at the CCSU Soccer Field on Monday, Sept.4, but ultimately were defeated by Canisius University 4-2.
The Blue Devils came out strong by scoring the game’s first two goals. The first goal came at 5:51 when junior midfielder Austin Rocke assisted freshman forward Jacob Culpepper, who volleyed the pass into the back of the net for the first goal of his collegiate career.
Just two minutes later, off a throw-in from junior defenseman Ola Telje, junior defenseman Jakob Welle snuck one past the Canisius goalkeeper to put CCSU up 2-0.
The Blue Devils offense soon fizzled out and they remained scoreless for the rest of the match, while the Golden Griffins only improved as time passed.
In the 26th minute, A.J. Zarcone scored to give Canisius their first goal. With 14 minutes left in the game, CCSU held a slim 2-1 lead, that came crashing down when Canisius’ Michael Switala scored to tie things up at 2-2.
A Daniel Longo goal, followed by a score from Ely Sidibe in the game’s final seven minutes, sealed the deal for the Golden Griffins as they defeated the Blue Devils 4-2.
The Blue Devils had their share of scoring chances by getting 12 total shots off. With five being on goal, they still could not keep up with Canisius.
Plagued with a lack of energy and squandered opportunities, the Blue Devils and head coach David Kelly let the game get away from them.
“We played a good team, and we weren’t able to put the game away, chances in the first and second half, and when those chances don’t get put away, it gives the other team a chance,” Kelly said. “They gave it their all, but flaws with their energy and the way we were defending took a lot of energy, and we weren’t able to sustain it for the 90 minutes.”
Despite the loss, some of the CCSU players were able to take away key lessons during this game that will help them improve moving forward.
“We’re going to have to push all the way through the end and keep pushing,” said Telje.
The Blue Devils will be in action next when they host the University of Rhode Island Rams under the lights at CCSU Soccer Field on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
