HAMILTON, N.Y. (9/15/09) -   Senior Chris Salmon (Auburn, Wash.) knocked in the winning goal during the final ten minutes of play as Colgate downed Siena 2-1, Tuesday night on Van Doren Field.  The Raiders now improve to 4-1 this season, while the Saints drop to 3-2.

 

“I am very proud of this group,” stated head coach Erik Ronning.  Despite starting slow, we stuck to the plan, fought hard and battled back against a very good Siena team.  We showed a lot of character and I feel we are making some very positive strides.”

 

The Saints gained an early advantage when freshman Sindre Ek put Siena up 1-0 at 1:18 into the match.  After receiving a cross from midfield, Ek dribbled around two defenders beating out Colgate's goalkeeper Chris Miller (Dallas, Texas) in a one-on-one.  

 

The Raiders had a great opportunity to tie the game midway through the first half when freshman Shane Conlin (Randolph, N.J.) got through two defenders and took a hard shot on goal.  Rookie goalie Philip Chabot jumped for the save just tipping the ball up and over the net, sending the Raiders into halftime trailing 1-0.

 

Colgate came out of the halftime break ready to take control offensively and did just that, out-shooting the Saints 13-3 during the second half.  After several good looks on goal, Colgate gained the equalizer from rookie forward Conlin, who scored his first career goal as a Raider.  After a scramble inside the box, senior Chris Ross (Hurst, Texas) passed the ball to Conlin who sent it just past the goalie into the far corner with 10:08 remaining on the clock.  

 

Barely three minutes later, the Raiders were able to collect the game-winning goal as Salmon knocked a header past Chabot, off of a free kick from junior Jeff Leach (New Canaan, Conn.). Miller made one more save for the Raiders with two minutes remaining to secure the 2-1 victory for Colgate.

 

Miller finished the game with four saves for Colgate, while Chabot also registered four stops for the Saints.  

 

Colgate will head for the road taking on New Hampshire this Saturday, Sept. 19th at 5 p.m. in Durham, N.H. The Raiders next home game will not be until Tuesday, Oct. 6 when they host Hartwick at 7 p.m.