Men’s Soccer Loses But Clinches Playoff Spot

Last Saturday, Colgate played the American University Eagles on Van Doren Field. Although they lost the game, held on Senior Day, the team still managed to advance to post season play. Their win puts them in line to take on the Holy Cross Crusaders in the Patriot League Quarterfinals.

The senior players were honored before the game with a ceremony. Among the seniors honored were captain Barrett Metzger, Nick Arpey, Christian Quinttus, Scott Brown and Jack Randazzo. Early on in the game, American was able to take an early lead. In the sixth minute of play, the Eagles sent a ball into the box a where they were able to quickly redirect the ball past junior goalie Liam Stapleton for the first goal of the game. Just 15 minutes later, American added to its lead to go up 2-0. The Eagles grabbed the ball in the box and chipped it over the net just past the outstretched arms of Stapleton to extend the Eagles lead.

Late in the first half, with only four minutes left to play, the Raiders earned a great chance on goal. Metzger took a corner kick and sent it flying into the box towards the head of first-year midfielder Zach Tamen who fired it toward the American goal. Unfortunately for the Raiders, the Eagles defenders were able to clear the ball away before it could find its way toward the net.

With less than a minute remaining in the first half the Raiders were finally able to find the back of the net. First-year Ethan Kutler sent a great set piece into the box which found the chest of first-year forward Geinda Smith, who directed the ball towards Metzger. The captain was able to corral the ball and fire it past the Eagles goalie making it a 2-1 game.At the half the score was 2-1 in favor of American with both teams eager to score the next goal.  In the early part of the second half, the Raiders were able to find another scoring chance. Kutler snuck past a few defenders and fired a quick shot on goal. The hard shot ricocheted off the Eagles goalie and was quickly cleared by American defenders.

Just moments later, sophomore Nick Rizzo was able to find an opening in the 18-yard box. He took a hard shot on goal but the Eagles defenders came up with a goal saving block to prevent the equalizer. Toward the end of the game the Raiders found themselves with yet another opportunity to score. Rizzo sent the ball to Kutler. The rookie deflected the ball off his head to junior forward Tanner Schilling, who one-timed it on net. The attempt narrowly missed and bounced off the right post.

The Raiders continued to press in the final minutes of the game but to no avail. The American defense held tight and gave the team the victory. Fortunately though, this loss did not end the Raiders season. They will look to stay alive in the playoffs at Holy Cross in the quarterfinals.

In other news, two Raiders players were selected to the All-Patriot League teams. Junior defenseman Evan Heroux earned a spot on the second team for the second consecutive year. He has five career goals with three of them coming this season. The other Raiders nominated was senior co-captain Nick Arpey who earned a place on the third team. During his time as a Raider, Arpey has played in 77 games, starting in 63 of them.

Contact JP Letourneau at [email protected].