HAMILTON — Colgate men's soccer was defeated at home on Alumni Weekend, losing to Loyola-Maryland, 2-0. Senior goalkeeper
Andrew Cooke's six saves kept the Raiders within reach for most of the game, but the Greyhounds applied constant pressure, totaling 12 shots on the day.
Loyola started strong, recording four shots in the first 18 minutes, two of them from Danilo Seglio. However, they could not capitalize on these opportunities, and the momentum began to shift back to Colgate. While the Raiders took longer to find their form, they found their first scoring opportunity in the 35th minute after making a couple of substitutions. First-year defender Connor Cates sent the ball just over the crossbar, reminding the Colgate team that they were one play away from taking the lead.
The first half ended scoreless despite the Greyhounds outshooting the Raiders 5-1. Each team was booked with a yellow card, and a total of 14 fouls were committed in the first 45.
The Raiders came out of the halftime locker room firing with first-year forward Charlie Yates attempting Colgate's first shot on goal, requiring a save from Loyola goalie Dylan van der Walt. In the 63rd minute, senior forward Aidan Davock found another opportunity to shoot on goal, but his attempt was saved as well. Soon after, the Greyhounds ended Colgate's momentum with the match's first goal in the 64th minute.
Tensions began to rise, as both teams required warnings from the officials after numerous fouls. Despite their energy and effort, the Raiders were unable to find any more promising scoring opportunities, and allowed another Loyola goal in the 90th minute which put the game out of reach for Colgate.
This loss leaves Colgate at 1-1 in the Patriot League and 2-2 at home.
FROM THE SOURCE
Head Coach Erik Ronning
"The group had grown into the game after a slow start and I felt we were building positive momentum. Conceding the first goal certainly changed the game, and we did not respond with enough urgency or intent to equalize. With a quick turnaround and an important game against Lehigh Wednesday, it is important for the guys to learn from today, recover physically, and bounce positively. We have a resilient group and know we will respond well."
UP NEXT
The Raiders will continue their search for a second Patriot League victory when they return to Beyer-Small '76 Field to face Lehigh at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
