Men's Soccer Hangs Tough in 2-0 Loss at Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Mitchell College men's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision at Springfield College on Satuday afternoon.

The Mariners held off the Pride for the match's first 83 minutes, but Springfield's constant offensive pressure finally paid off with two goals in the final seven minutes. For Springfield head coach Steffen Siebert, the win marked his first at the helm of the Pride. Springfield improved to 1-3 on the year while Mitchell dropped to 1-1 overall.

Springfield had a golden opportunity to put a goal on the board in the first half when it was awarded a penalty kick following a foul on Ben Marcus in the box. David Chessen took the kick for the hosts, but his bid was just wide as the game remained scoreless with just over 19 minutes left in the half.

The game was scoreless at the half, and midway through the second half the game was halted due to thunder and lightning. After a 30-minute delay, the storm passed and the teams resumed play with just over 14 minutes left in regulation.

The Pride finally broke through in the 83rd minute. After Austin Vico sent a cross from the end line, Michael Fowler clanged a header off the cross bar for the second time in the half. Kevin Nowak collected the loose ball inside the six and poked home a shot with his left foot in the right corner for the game's first goal.

Scott Saucier tacked on an insurance goal with 2:10 left in regulation. Chessen worked his way into the box before delivering the ball back to Saucier. The junior made a move to his right and ripped a shot into the top right corner.

Springfield dominated the game throughout, owning a 28-2 advantage in shots, including a 16-0 advantage in shots on goal. Springfield also took 10 corner kicks while holding Mitchell without an attempt.

Sophomore goalie Ramazan Sinani kept his squad in the game throughout, posting 14 saves in the defeat. Brett Bascom did not need to make a save to earn the shutout.

Mitchell will next play at Eastern Connecticut State University on Wednesday, September 12 at 4:30 p.m.