HAMILTON – Senior captain Barrett Metzger netted his first of the season on Senior Day as the Colgate men's soccer team fell 2-1 on Saturday afternoon to American.

Even with the loss the Raiders still move on to post season play. They are scheduled to play at Holy Cross on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Prior to Saturday's game the Raiders honored five Colgate seniors for their dedication to the men's soccer program. These seniors included Metzger, Nick Arpey, Christian Quinttus, Scott Brown and Jack Randazzo. 

Colgate (4-13-2, 3-5-1 PL) was led by Metzger who tallied its lone goal. Rookie Ethan Kutler also posted three shots in the loss. All three Raider goalies saw action in the game with Liam Stapleton and Ricky Brown handling the majority of action. Quinttus earned the start.

American (7-7-5, 4-3-2 PL) saw Chris Fanet and Colin Seigfreid grab two goals in the opening 20 minutes of play. Billy Knutsen recorded the victory making three saves.

In the sixth minute of play the Eagles took the early lead following Fanet's marker. Seigfreid sent the ball deep into the box, where Fanet one-touched it past Stapleton into the left side of the net.

15 minutes later, American extended its lead to 2-0 when Seigfreid registered a goal. Michael Cherry played the ball from the left side to the senior, who volleyed it into the back of the net just past the shoulder of Stapleton.

The Raiders earned a great chance with four minutes to play in the half. Metzger curled a corner kick into the box finding the head of Tamen, but the Eagles were able to clear it away from danger before the Raiders could convert.

Colgate cut the Eagles lead to 2-1 after Kutler sent a brilliant set piece into the box. The rookie's driven cross found Geinda Smith, who chested it down for Metzger. The senior then collected it and smashed it into the back of the net at the 44-minute mark. 

Early in the second half, the Raiders stayed on the attack when Kutler fired a shot towards goal. AU was able to clear the rebound, however, before Nick Rizzo could finish it off.

A few minutes later Rizzo found himself with the ball inside the 18-yard box. He struck one on net but the Eagles came up with a goal saving block to stop the Raiders from equalizing.

Colgate almost knotted the score when Rizzo, Kutler and Tanner Schilling teamed up. Rizzo started the play sending a simple pass over the Kutler. The rookie quickly flicked it on with his head through to Schilling, who struck it one-time towards goal. His attempt unfortunately just skimmed the right post and sailed wide.

With a 1:30 to play, Metzger sent another great corner kick into the box where Frankie Bergonzi tried his luck on net. His header looked to be on frame but curved missing the back post.

Despite strong chances in the closing minutes from the Raiders, American held on to earn the win and secure itself a spot in the Patriot League Tournament.

The Raiders are back on the pitch Tuesday when they travel to Worcester, Mass. for a matchup with the Crusaders at 7 p.m.

GAME ARCHIVE