*** UNH forfeited this game on Sept. 6, 2017 after discovering that the Wildcats played an ineligible player. All statistics from the match still count towards season statistics.***
DURHAM, N.H. – After 84 minutes of scoreless play, New Hampshire slotted home the game-winning goal with 5:03 left on the clock to hand the Colgate men's soccer team a 1-0 season-opening loss Friday evening.
The first half proved to be a defensive battle as both teams had few chances in the opening 30 minutes. Senior
Chase Pagani stepped up to make a huge play in the 32nd minute as UNH had an opportunity on an empty net and Pagani cleared the ball off the line to keep the game scoreless.
Senior
Karl Brown had a sliding shot that flew just over the crossbar in the 38th minute, but it proved to be the final shot for either side in the opening half.
Tappenden made two key saves to help Colgate withstand a strong UNH press within the first 10 minutes of the second term. The teams traded golden opportunities for the next 30 minutes, but neither could convert until the Wildcats tapped in the game winner with 5:03 to play. Linus Fallberg one-touched a pass from Jack Doherty and rifled it right past Tappenden to give UNH a 1-0 lead.
The Raiders generated a few more chances, but weren't able to convert as the Wildcats walked away with the 1-0 victory.
BOTTOM LINE
WON-LOST RECORDS
- The Raiders fall to 0-1-0 on the season.
- UNH is now 1-0-0.
KEY RAIDER INFO.
- Junior Tim Oberg tallied a team-high two shots, while three other Raiders chipped in one apiece.
- Tappenden made five saves in goal, compared to UNH's one save.
FACTS & FIGURES
- The Wildcats finished the game with a 15-5 shot advantage and 6-1 shot on goal edge.
- UNH held a slim 7-5 corner kick lead.
FROM THE SOURCE
Head Coach
Erik Ronning
- "Despite the loss, I am very proud of the effort we put forth. We were very strong defensively throughout the entire game, battled incredibly hard and were gaining confidence each minute. If we give that sort of effort consistently, and continue to improve, then success will follow. I am confident this group will respond positively."
UP NEXT
- Colgate makes its home debut Monday night when the Raiders welcome local foe Binghamton.
- Kickoff from Beyer-Small '76 Field is set for 7 p.m.
