Martinez, Wilson Net Goals on Senior Day in 3-2 Loss to Stony Brook
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – Despite fighting back from a one and two-goal deficit, University at Albany men's soccer (3-7-6, 1-3-1 AE) fell 3-2 to Stony Brook (4-10-1, 2-3 AE) on Saturday night.
“Tonight was a tough result,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “There were a lot of chances in an end-to-end game. Stony Brook was efficient with its chances, and we have to be that little bit better heading into our next game.”
Just six minutes in the Great Danes had their first quality look from Martin Gorrie. Leo Melgar found Anthony Rozzano streaking down the right side, with the ensuing cross punched out by the Stony Brook keeper. Gorrie tracked down the rebound and put a low shot on net, but his attempt was saved.
Stony Brook scored its first goal in the 23rd minute on an unassisted look just outside the 18 yard-box.
Rozzano and Melgar connected again in the 25th minute looking for the game-tying goal. Rozzano fed Melgar between defenders at the Stony Brook 18 yard-box, but Melgar couldn't bring the ball down on his right foot fast enough to turn and fire.
The teams traded shots for the next 20 minutes, with both teams playing more physical towards the end of the half.
UAlbany took the upper hand after a deadlocked 20 minutes, scoring with just 20 seconds remaining in the period. Philip Persson came out on the better end of a 50/50 ball to find Chris Hettler on the right end line. The freshman served a ball low across the six-yard box, with Brandon Wilson on the receiving end to tie the game.
The Great Danes went into the break with a 6-4 shot advantage.
Early in the second half, Gorrie made a tackle to find space after a rebounded UAlbany free kick. The junior put a shot on net but the Seawolves goalie made the grab.
Stony Brook came down the field to take the 2-1 lead shortly thereafter. With the momentum the Seawolves scored again to earn some breathing room, 3-1 with 22 minutes left.
But the Purple & Gold didn't take long to respond. Rozzano's pressure on the Stony Brook back line paid off, as he came out on the receiving end of a defensive miscue. The junior midfielder charged down the left side to find Ivan Martinez in front of the net. The goal was the first of the year for Martinez.
Pedro Espindola had UAlbany's best look for the remainder of the game, heading a left-side cross over the bar with 12 minutes left.
Hettler recorded his first career point with an assist on the Wilson goal. Michael Pizzuti made his first start of the season between the posts.
UAlbany (3-7-6, 1-3-1 AE) returns to action next Saturday at Hartford (7-5-2, 2-2 AE) with a 7:00 p.m. start time.
