By Michael Otero
Sports Editor
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the men’s soccer team (4-3-1) was handed their third loss of the young season at the hands of Molloy College Lions. The Pioneers climbed out of several holes during the match, but ultimately fell short.
The Lions got the scoring started with a quick goal in the eighth minute. Senior midfielder Hamza Elotmani scored an impressive bicycle kick, giving his squad the early lead. Later in the first half, the Pioneers tied the score at one via a goal from graduate midfielder Dale McDonald. Just before halftime, the Lions capitalized on a scoring opportunity
and jumped ahead 2-1. Meanwhile, the Pioneers had multiple scoring chances and failed to convert on three corner kicks. At halftime, the Lions led the Pioneers 2-1.
Fresh out from halftime, Elotmani and company came out firing and sent a shot passed the LIU goalkeeper extending their lead to 3-1. Looking to respond, freshman forward Jason Lampkin gave the Pioneers new life with two goals within a six-minute span. It was a new game in the 66th minute. The Lions, seemingly the underdogs now that they have given up a two goal lead, regrouped and netted a go ahead score in the 75th minute.
The Pioneers responded yet again. This time, senior forward Eivind Austboe beat the Lion goalie for his seventh goal of the season, evening the score at four apiece. A seesaw battle with multiple lead changes and ties featured one more. Senior back Joey Pinto provided the game-winning goal for the Lions on a free kick from about 25 yards out.
The Pioneers more than doubled the Lions in shots and corner kicks and had their second best game offensively with four goals, but they were obviously displeased with the result. The Pioneers looked to bounce back on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they faced the Bears from NYIT (5-1-1) in the battle of Northern Boulevard.
The Bears struck first, notching the games first goal in the third minute, putting the pressure on the Pioneers early. Looking to respond, Austboe slithered his way through the Bear defense to tally his eighth goal of the young season and tie the contest at one. The defense struggle now ensued as both teams had very little scoring opportunities, posting five and six shots on goal respectively.
Freshman Bear goalkeeper Jonathon Rico and junior Pioneer goalie Jesper Malmstrom each recorded four saves in the draw, and held the high powering offenses to no goals in the entire second half and both overtimes. The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, Oct 1, against the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Be First to Comment