The men’s soccer team was able to collect two wins this past week, running their winning streak up to three games. The Raiders defeated Albany last Friday, 3-1, and came from behind to beat Siena, 2-1, on Tuesday at Van Doren Field.

First-year midfielder Mike Reidy was able to net his first and second collegiate goals in the game against Albany. Colgate dominated the contest from the opening whistle, as the Raiders held a constant offensive attack throughout the game.

“We got a bunch of shots off and did a real good job of getting the ball forward,” Reidy said. “Our defense was able to keep the ball in Albany’s half of the field which contributed to our attack.”

Reidy was also named Patriot League Rookie of the Week for his efforts. Senior forward Alex Weekes started off the scoring for the Raiders, as he was able to put his chance home, just inside the post. Weekes gobbled up a rebound off junior defender Jeff Leach’s shot early in the 20th minute. Weekes was also named ECAC Men’s Soccer Player of the Week for his stellar play against Syracuse and Albany last week.

Shortly after the restart, Colgate was able to increase their lead off a free kick from Weekes, which was stopped, but not controlled, by Albany’s sophomore goalkeeper Adrian Foncette, allowing Reidy to pounce on the rebound and put it in the back of the net.

“I was really happy when I scored my first goal,” Reidy said, “but I was happier that we were able to get our first road win of the season.”

Reidy then upped his goal total to two when he deflected a shot by senior midfielder Chris Salmon that had just enough power to get by Foncette, despite Foncette getting a glove on it.

Albany was finally able to get on the board in the 70th minute, off a set piece from just outside the box. Senior forward Claudio Dantas crossed to junior midfielder Ian Peach, who was able to get a head to the ball and drive it past Colgate’s sophomore keeper Chris Miller. Miller finished the game with five saves, while Foncette set a University of Albany record with 16 saves, despite allowing three goals. With the win, the Raiders ran their record to 3-1, and Albany remained winless at 0-3-1.

The following game for ‘Gate took place at home against Siena on Tuesday. The Raiders trailed throughout the first half as the Saints scored the opening tally just over a minute after the initial whistle. Siena first-year forward Sindre Ek was able to split two Colgate defenders, and then beat Miller in a one-on-one. Colgate followed with a couple of chances, the best being first-year midfielder Shane Conlin’s hard shot on goal, that Siena goalkeeper Philip Chabot deflected safely over the crossbar. The Raiders continued to pressure, but they could not find the back of the net before the halftime whistle.

Colgate was able to continue their offensive firepower in the second half as they outshot Siena 13-3, but it wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that the Raiders were able to score the equalizer. The goal came from Conlin, who was finally able to put one home after taking several good shots throughout the game. Conlin received a pass from senior midfielder Chris Ross and put the ball away in the lower corner. Just three minutes later, Colgate netted the go-ahead goal off a free kick from Jeff Leach. Leach took the kick from about 10 yards inside the midfield line and senior midfielder Chris Ross headed the ball past Chabot to give the Raiders their first lead of the contest.

“I just sent it into the box,” Leach said, “and Salmon was able to get a good head to it and put it home.”

Chris Miller made a save late to preserve the victory for the Raiders, and he finished the match with four saves. Chabot also finished with four saves in a losing effort for the Saints.

With the win the Raiders ran their record to 4-1 and remained undefeated at home. Siena fell to 3-2. Colgate also moved up to number five in the Mid-Atlantic region in the National Soccer Coaches Association/Adidas poll. The Raiders travel to play New Hampshire on Saturday at 5 p.m. and don’t return to Van Doren Field until October 6, when they take on upstate rival, Hartwick.