Men’s Soccer Stuns No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1 in Opener at Bob Ford Field
ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany men’s soccer team (1-4-1) opened soccer play on Bob Ford Field in spectacular fashion on Sunday night, downing No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1. The victory is the first for UAlbany against a nationally ranked opponent since joining the Division I ranks.
“It feels great to get a win like that against a quality team,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Our players worked hard tonight and our fans were tremendous. It was fantastic to have so many people come out to support us in our new home.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first half. With much of play taking place in the midfield, the game entered the second half deadlocked at 0-0.
In the 58th minute, Philip Persson intercepted a pass in the Fairleigh Dickinson half on a poor pass by the Knights. Persson found Brandon Wilson on the 2-on-1 opportunity, and Wilson buried a shot past Fairleigh Dickinson goalkeeper Jacob Lissek.
UAlbany kept up the pressure on the Knights back line, forcing another turnover deep in Fairleigh Dickinson territory less than 10 minutes later. Jonathan Interiano made the tackle in the Knights 18-yard box, and found Phil Denara across the goal to give the Great Danes a 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later the Knights charged down the field and scored off a free kick deflection.
UAlbany overcame a 14-9 shot advantage and 5-3 corner kick edge for Fairleigh Dickinson to hand the Knights their first loss of the season. The Great Danes are also the first team to score against the Knights in 2013.
The Great Danes return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Bob Ford Field at 7 p.m., when they take on Siena. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports.
