POUGHKEEPSIE, New York - The Marist men's soccer team tied with No. 12 Fordham, 1-1, in a marathon game on Wednesday evening. The game included a first-half lightning delay and two overtimes.
Marist had the first scoring opportunity at the six minute mark. Skylar Conway put a good cross in front of the goal, but it was well defended by Fordham.
There was a lightning delay at 26:57. According to NCAA rules, the game could not resume until 30 minutes after the most recent lightning strike. The delay lasted approximately an hour.
Marist also played stellar defense. Marist goalie Ryan Sinnott did not face a shot prior to the rain delay, and kept that streak alive until the 44th minute. Fordham had no shots on goal in the first half.
The Red Foxes started the second half strong. The defense was rock solid and Allen Gavilanes took a shot at 57:55, but missed wide right.
Gavilanes got the Foxes on the board at 61:25. A Rams defender attempted to head the ball back to the goalie, but Gavilanes tipped it up and over the goalie and headed it in.
At 83:43, the Rams had their best scoring opportunity. Janos Loebe had an uncontested shot, but Marist goalie Ryan Sinnott dove to prevent the game-tying goal.
The Rams tied the game at 86:35. Joergen Oland found the back of the net as Sinnott came diving out to attempt the save. This goal would send the game to overtime.
Ryan Sinnott had a huge save at 93:00. A Rams forward kicked a rocket that Sinnott was able to get his hands on and deflect out.
Samad Bounthong had a close free kick at 96:13. He nearly made it to the top left corner, but it curved wide left.
Ryan Sinnott had another huge save at 104:26. Fordham's Luke McNamara attempted a header that Sinnott was able to scoop up.
"We didn't get the win, which is disappointing. But we can take a lot of positives from this" commented Coach Matt Viggiano following the game. "I think we deserved three points that we didn't get. This team has been in the NCAA tournament the past few years; they made it to the 'Elite 8'. I feel gutted for the guys. But if we continue to do what got us the lead tonight, I think we'll be successful come MAAC play."
Â
The Red Foxes will travel to Piscataway, NJ to take on Rutgers on Tuesday, September 18th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 P.M.
Â
