CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Game Recap
Saint Peter’s sophomore Tom Coulson scored his first goal of the season and goalkeeper Jason Dubrovichmade five saves en route to a shutout victory as the visiting Peacocks defeated Canisius 1-0 Saturday night in MAAC men’s soccer action at the Demske Sports Complex. With the win, Saint Peter’s improves to 7-6-2 overall and 4-2-1 in MAAC play, while the Golden Griffins fell to 4-7-1 overall and 2-4-1 in conference action.
Coulson’s goal came in the 81st minute, as he was able to settle a pass from teammate Anton Moore in the box to beat Canisius keeper Bryce Tramuta inside the left post. The scoring play was set up on a long service volley from Saint Peter’s senior Wilber Nunez, who was also credited with an assist on the goal.
The Griffs had a great chance to try and tie the game late, but Dubrovich kept the Blue and Gold off the scoreboard with a fantastic save off a header redirected on goal by Canisius senior Alex Grattarola in the 88th minute. Canisius kept pushing late in regulation time with a pair of corner kick chances, but the home team was unable to even the score before time ran out.
After the teams played a scoreless first half, Canisius controlled much of the play offensively in the second 45-minute session, as the Griffs outshot the Peacocks 11-5 after intermission. Canisius ended the night with an 18-14 advantage in shots and a 6-4 margin in corner kicks.
Tramuta made two stops in goal for Canisius, which saw its three-game unbeaten streak (2-0-1) come to an end with the one-goal loss.
Head Coach Dermot McGrane‘s Postgame Comments
“In the end, we did not play well enough to win tonight. We have left ourselves in a position with no margin for error, so we need to get focused on our next game and make sure the same thing does not happen again.”
Game Notes
• Saturday’s match marked the 29th meeting all-time between the two Jesuit schools, with Canisius leading the series 16-12-1.
• The loss ended Canisius four-match win streak over Saint Peter’s.
• Senior Hunter Walsh led Canisius with six shots on the night, while fellow senior Evan Walsh and junior Troy Brady each recorded three shots in the losing effort.
• Prior to the start of Saturday’s match, Grattarolla, Tramuta, Evan Walsh, Hunter Walsh, Bjarki Benediktsson,Will Pauls, Mo Kretschmer, Melvin Blair and Giovanni Coraggioso were all honored by the men’s soccer program as the team celebrated its annual Senior Night.
Up Next
Canisius will play its next two games on the road, starting Wednesday, Oct. 24, when the Griffs travel to play at Siena. Game time in Loudonville, N.Y., is set for 2 p.m.
