HAMILTON – Ethan Kutler scored two second-half goals sparking a Colgate's men's soccer upset win over No. 19-ranked American here Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders found themselves down 1-0 early to their nationally-ranked foe, after the Eagles' notched the go-ahead marker on a set piece in the 14th minute. Colgate made the needed adjustments in the second half though and was able to rally back, scoring two goals to pull off the victory in its Patriot League opener.
Kutler notched the game-winner in the 89th minute, after he had tied the game courtesy of a penalty kick at the 53:14 mark. He placed his first tally of the game into the lower left corner of the net after American had been called for a foul inside the box. Then with almost no time remaining on the clock, he beat an Eagles defender to a loose ball generating a great breakaway opportunity. Kutler dribbled inside the box, made a quick fake, and then drilled it into the lower right section of the goal.
Colgate goalie
Ricky Brown made six saves in the contest, including an incredible goal-saving stop in the opening two minutes of play on a point-blank shot from American's Vinny Barone. The Eagles sent in a cross from the left wing, falling at the foot of Barone, who one-timed a shot on frame. Brown used his lightening fast reactions to quickly punch away the shot, keeping the game scoreless at the time. Brown also stiffed the NCAA's leader in assists Liam Robley late in the game on a driven attempt from just outside the box.
The Raiders are now 1-0-0 in league play and 4-2-1 overall.
American recorded the game's first goal in the 14th minute on a free kick. Robley stepped up to take the set piece and fired a shot toward goal just outside the 18-yard box. His attempt was blocked by the Colgate wall but came almost directly back to him. He quickly settled the ball and launched another shot into the upper left-hand corner of the goal, just past the outstretched arms of Brown.
The Raiders were able to find their rhythm early in the second half, knotting the score after Kutler finished off a penalty kick in the 54th minute.
As the game tightened up, both teams saw solid opportunities on frame but weren't able to break through.
With 1:23 remaining in regulation, Kutler again answered for Colgate when he beat an American defender to a loose ball down the right side of the field. He collected the ball, cutting it in toward goal, creating a breakaway chance for himself. The Lansing, New York, native then finished off the attempt by blasting it into the right corner of the goal.
Colgate was able to fend off any final Eagles' attack to secure the upset victory.
The Raiders are back in action Tuesday when they host Syracuse in a non-conference matchup. The game is slated for 7 p.m. on Beyer-Small '76 Field and will be broadcast live on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel.
BOTTOM LINE• Colgate 2, #19 American 1
WON-LOST RECORDS• Colgate improves to 4-2-1 on the year and 1-0-0 in Patriot League play
• American dips to 6-3-0 and 0-1-0, respectively
KEY RAIDER INFO• Kutler tallied both of Colgate's goals in the contest, earning him his first game-winner of the season.
• The junior now leads the team in goals with four and in points with 11.
• Brown compiled six saves, including numerous goal-saving stops.
FACTS & FIGURES• The Eagles held the slight edge on shots at 17-11, but the Raiders outshot their visitors 8-6 in the second 45 minutes.
• Colgate finished with one corner kick to American's six.
• The Eagles also posted seven shots on goal, while Colgate notched four.
• There were eight yellow cards issued throughout the contest, three to Colgate and five to American.
GATE GRAB BAG• The attendance at Beyer-Small '76 Field was 340
UP NEXT• The Raiders next welcome nearby rival Syracuse on Tuesday for a non-conference game.
• The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. on Beyer-Small '76 Field.
• Time Warner Cable Sports Channel will broadcast the contest.
Game Archive
