After a back-and-forth match, an own-goal saved Stony Brook Men’s Soccer from going under the .500 mark in its 1-0 win against Central Connecticut on Wednesday night.
Seawolves’ freshman midfielder Jarred Dass blasted a shot on goal, which Blue Devils’ junior goalie Nick Velleca tipped in for an own-goal. Dass’s teammates gathered around and hugged him as he let out a cry of celebration, thinking that he had scored.
After their previous matchup against Canisius, Stony Brook made sure they were more aggressive on offense, and it showed. Stony Brook outshot Central Connecticut 13-8 and had eight corners to Central Connecticut’s three.
After recording seven saves in their last match, Seawolves’ redshirt junior goalkeeper Tom McMahon made three saves and in the process recorded his third clean sheet off the season. This was also his second shutout in two games.
The defense played a much better game, making sure Central Connecticut never got the ball past the back line and into the back of the net. They would retrieve loose balls in the defensive third, in the air or on the ground. When the team felt pressured or just needed to get the ball upfield to regroup on defense, it would make clearances. The Seawolves were also able to play out of the back after winning the ball to start the counterattack.
The offense was able to create space and create shots, with junior forward Vince Erdei leading the offensive charge with four total shots and two on target. Sophomore midfielder Serge Gamwanya was able to get three shots off and had one on target. Both players combined for seven of the Seawolves’ 13 shots.
Stony Brook has now surpassed last season’s road wins total just five matches in, winning three of its four away matches.
The Seawolves will have a full week off after playing three road games in five days. The team will make its return to Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 14th when it takes on the Iona Gaels at 7 p.m.
Correction: Sept. 7, 2016
A previous version of this story indicated that Dass scored the goal for the Seawolves. The goal was ruled an own-goal.
