By: Christian Hince | September 20, 2021
UAlbany opened their American East conference schedule Saturday night with a 2-0 defeat at No. 9 New Hampshire. The Great Danes lost their second straight, falling to 4-3, while the hosting Wildcats remain undefeated at 7-0.
New Hampshire, along with being one of the highest ranked teams nationally, entered the game topping the United Soccer Coaches Northeast Regional poll, where UAlbany placed fourth.
The Wildcats broke through early, scoring six minutes in when Tola Showunmi assisted Rory O’Driscoll, whose shot from the left side sailed over the head of UAlbany goalkeeper Carlos Tofern into the far side of the net.
Great Dane forward Austin DeSilva had a handful of chances in the first half, with a blocked deep shot in the fifth minute and a left-side free kick that sailed just above the New Hampshire crossbar.
The Great Danes almost settled the score in the 73rd minute, when a serve deep into the New Hampshire box bounced dangerously close to the Wildcats’ goal off one of the team’s defenders. This threat subsided however when New Hampshire goalie Jassem Koleilat fell on the ball.
The Wildcats scored their second and final goal 78 minutes in with a Rory O’Driscoll penalty kick after he drew a foul in the UAlbany box. New Hampshire held the Great Danes scoreless for the final minutes, winning by a score of 2-0.
UAlbany’s offensive woes lived on Saturday. The hosting Wildcats outshot them 10-5 over the match’s run, which included a 6-1 ratio for shots on goal. The Great Danes were shut out for the third time this season, and have been outshot in all but one game.
Despite the outcome, UAlbany Head Coach Trevor Gorman was optimistic about his team’s performance on the road against a national powerhouse. “I was pleased after Tuesday’s result,” he said. “A few decisions in the second half could have gone differently and changed the outcome.”
The Great Danes return home to face Rhode Island (4-1-1), with maybe their toughest competition behind them. They will take the field Tuesday as they hope to get back in the win column following this two-game skid.
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