Marist junior Brendon Curtis’ goal in the game’s 82nd minute proved to be the game-winner, as the visiting Red Foxes defeated Canisius 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex. The win moves Marist to 7-4-1 overall and 2-2-0 in MAAC play, while the Golden Griffins slipped to 5-6-1 overall and 1-2-1 in league action.
Curtis’ game-winning tally, which came off a header following a crossing pass into the box by teammate Connor Shearer, beat Canisius goalkeeper Bryce Tramuta to the lower left corner of the frame to put the Red Foxes ahead for good. The go-ahead goal came moments after Canisius had a great chance to take the lead itself, as the Griffs pushed into the offensive-third and found sophomore Melvin Blair in front of the goal, but his shot attempt went high.
Marist scored the game’s first goal in the third minute, when sophomore Cameron Harr scored his league-leading 11th goal of the season, unassisted. Canisius knotted the game at 1-1 in the 14th minute on a goal by junior Mo Kretschmer. Kretschmer took a pass from teammate Mathew Santos just outside the box, found an opening in the Marist defense, and ripped a shot into the top-right corner of the net. That goal was Kretschmer’s first career marker, and the assist was the fourth of the season for Santos.
Canisius had a number of chances throughout the game to score, but the Griffs came up dry. The Blue and Gold had an apparent goal waved off in the 30th minute. After a scramble in front of the goal, Canisius was able to settle a bad Marist clear attempt, but the Griffs were called for being offside before the ball crossed the goal line.
Marist junior keeper Mark Rajovic earned the win in net for the Red Foxes after he was credited with 11 saves. Tramuta, who played the game’s final 57:50 in relief of starter Marco Trivellato, was credited with the loss despite making a career-high six saves. Marist outshot Canisius 22-21 for the game, but Canisius had a 12-9 advantage in shots on goal. Each team was credited with three corners, and Canisius was whistled for four offside calls against Marist’s one.
Head Coach Dermot McGrane said, “We threw away three points tonight. Marist played well in the second half, but the game should have been over before that point.”
This was the 21st all-time meeting in the series between the two programs, with Marist holding a 14-6-1 lead. The last three Canisius-Marist games have been decided by one goal. Santos’ assist on the Griffs’ lone goal gives him eight assists in his career. Tramuta played in his first career home game on Wednesday.
Canisius travels to play at Iona on Saturday. Game time in New Rochelle is set for 3 p.m.
from GoGriffs.com via IFTTT
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