Interiano Lifts Men’s Soccer Past New Hampshire 2-1 in Double Overtime
ALBANY, N.Y..- Jonathan Interiano scored three minutes and 33 seconds into the second overtime period against New Hampshire to earn UAlbany (4-9-3, 2-2-1 AE) three points in the America East standings on Saturday night at Bob Ford Field.
The freshman connected on a free kick from Pomare Te Anau for his first career goal. The 6’2’’ forward skied over three New Hampshire defenders to head the ball into the back of the net.
“It felt great to score that goal,” said Interiano. “I felt like I had my chances, especially at the end of regulation, so it was nice to redeem myself.”
The Great Danes battled back from an early 1-0 deficit, with New Hampshire scoring in the 17th minute. Anthony Rozzano notched his first goal of the season to even the score in the 66th minute. The sophomore midfielder took the ball down the right side and fired far post into the left corner of the New Hampshire net.
The pace of play picked up at the end of the second half, with New Hampshire testing freshman goalkeeper Michael Pizzuti in his first career start. Pizzuti made three critical saves in the final 15 minutes of regulation. The freshman saved a tough shot down the middle from hard-hitting New Hampshire midfielder Steve Palumbo in the 77th minute. Pizzuti collected a free kick scramble on the ensuing Wildcat possession, and saved another Palumbo rocket with four minutes left in the second half.
With five seconds left in regulation, Leonardo Rodrigues nearly headed in a deflected cross from Philip Persson. Interiano controlled the rebound, but neither freshman could convert as time expired.
The Wildcats came out swinging early in the first overtime, hitting the crossbar in the opening moments of extra time. Thomas Manz kept the game tied after clearing a New Hampshire shot in the 91st minute.
In the 96th minute, the UAlbany defense forced the Wildcats offside, bringing back a shot that found the back of the net by New Hampshire’s Ugochukwu Uche.
Junior captain Dominic McGarr headed away another New Hampshire shot at the goal line to close the first overtime period.
A foul against Rozzano outside the left corner of the 18-yard box gave Te Anau the game-winning free kick opportunity.
“Obviously it was a very emotional game for us,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Overall a great team effort by our guys, and it sets us up for great positive momentum going into the remainder of our America East schedule.”
New Hampshire had only given up seven goals total prior to its 2-1 loss to UAlbany. The Great Danes are the first team to score on the Wildcats multiple times this season.
UAlbany has now won three of its last four games at home.
The Purple & Gold meet Hartwick in a nonconference tilt at Bob Ford Field on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., before hosting Hartford on senior day Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
