The PSU Men’s soccer team went into the Sat. Sept. 13 game against a talented team from Bridgewater State looking to climb back to the .500 mark. Unfortunately, The Panther’s would fall to the non-conference opponent 4-0.
Things got off to a shaky start when a communication break-down led to a Panther defenseman scoring on his own net. Senior Captain Corey Cenate of Springfield, V.t. explained, “In the past few games we have been lacking in communication but it’s tough when you play with new people.” Said Senior Captain Corey Cenate, “There are indeed many unfamiliar faces which would explain the lack of chemistry in the early going.”
Junior Matt Daniels for BSC racked up two goals on Sat. His First came shortly after PSU scored on itself and was assisted by sophomore Matt Medeiros. His second came early on in the second half during the 53rd minute. The goal represented Daniels 3rd of the season and was assisted by Donald Flores.
BSC athlete Jon Machado finished the scoring for the afternoon with an incredible goal from beyond the midfield line.
PSU had their chances throughout the game with 11 shots on net but failed to get on the board after senior goalkeeper Ryan Seifert recorded six saves. This was Seifert’s second shutout of the early season.
PSU has started the season on a rough note and they find themselves in the basement of the Little East Conference with a 1-3 record. The talented team has one of two options; throw in the towel and rebuild for next season, or, get things together and become the contenders that most players believe they can be. Corey Cenate chooses the latter, “I have no doubt that our team possesses the ability to beat anyone in our conference, it’s just a matter of accomplishing the tasks we set each game,” said Cenate.
The team believes that once they regroup and focus on the little things, the wins should begin to pile up given the talent and leadership that this team possesses.
“On paper we may seem like the underdog as we are usually the team that looks smaller,” said Cenate. “We have a lot of guys on our team who are willing to give it everything they got, not just in games but in practices as well, and that’s what separates us from other teams,” Cenate added.
Sun. Sept. 14 game against Green Mountain College might be considered a must win for PSU. Dropping four straight may have a lingering effect on the young team. “Going into the game against GMC, we need to make sure that all our tasks are accomplished defensively as well as offensively,” said Cenate. “Together we must make sure we capitalize on any opportunities we have to put the ball in the back of [the] net and defensively pressure them to make them make mistakes and turn it into goal scoring opportunities,”said Cenate
The PSU men’s soccer team is down but in no way are they out. Do not be surprised to see this determined team regroup and become a legitimate contender in the Little East Conference.
PSU did bounce back with a triumphant 9-0 victory over Green Mountain College. Senior Semir Mehmedovic and Dimitrios Kapotis each netted three goals, while Tommy Schrey, Greg Blanchette, and Pat Connolly each added goals of their own. Also, 3 assists by sophomore Alex Ciccolinifoley and 2 by first-year Alex Martins.
PSU starts off the season 2-3-1 and will face Eastern Connecticut State in the first Little East Conference game this season, Sat. Sept. 20 at 1:00 p.m. Green Mountain is 4-1-0 and will face Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Sat. Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m. After a crushing defeat, Green Mountain will face Bard College Sat. Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m.