West Haven, C.T – Under the lights of Kathy Zolad Stadium, the University of New Haven men's soccer team took on the current number two second team in the Northeast- 10 Conference Standings, the Panthers of Adelphi University. Despite the Charger's efforts, the Panthers defense held the New Haven to nothing, while their offensive put up two goals, in the 2-0 loss.
The first half of the contest proved the two teams to be evenly matched, the Chargers trailing by one in the shot column, while leading by one in corner kicks. Possession time split even between the teams, with play remaining prominent in the midfield with multiple changes of possession. The game continued the first 45 at an even 0-0 score, as halftime came around.
With the second half beginning, the determination from both sides to find the opening goal and take the first lead of the game was evident. The Chargers pushing on the offensive, maintaining possession of long balls from the backfield, with a lot of up field runs, but would be unable to find the back of the net.
The Panthers would find the first goal off transition, late in the second half. New Haven would manage to find more opportunities in the Panthers defensive end, but none would stick. Adelphi would top off the match with a second goal with just one minute remaining in the contest off a breakaway play up field.
Despite the loss, New Haven was not shy around the goalmouth, with a total of nine different players finding a shot on goal. Captain Adam Lindstrom (Orbero, Sweden/Grillska Gymnasiet) leading the offensive, with two shots, one making its way on goal. Coming into the game, Joao Goncalves (Castelo Branco, Portugal/Escola Jose Sanches) would find the only other shot that would force a save from the Adelphi goalkeeper. In goal for the Chargers, Mattia Palanca (Grottammare, Italy/ITI Montani di Fermo) tallied a total of three saves, out of the five shots faced.
New Haven now falls to 5-5-2 on the season overall, and 2-4-2 in conference play. They will be back in action as they take on conference opponent Bentley University, on Saturday October 21st. That game is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. start time.
