DELHI and COBLESKILL, NY
Owls Men's Soccer went into another big weekend with a shot at improving their playoff chances in the North Atlantic Conference. On the last big Roadtrip of the year they'd visit Delhi and Cobleskill New York.
Saturday: 6-0 Broncos
How it Happened:
Though the weekend was huge, it started rather inauspiciously. The Broncos attack was too much for UMPI and got better throughout the day. They scored twice in a minute's span in the 22nd and 23rd minutes to take a hold on the game. UMPI battled for chances—and found some, making six shots and two on target in the first half, but it was to no avail. Delhi scored once more in the half to make it 3-0 at the break. In the second half it was more of the same story, as Delhi put up two quick goals in the 46th and the 48th minutes. Suddenly it was a 5-0 game. Delhi would score one more time before the game was over to make it a 6-0 final.
Top Performers:
Ethan Cameron had a pair of shots on the day and one of UMPI's two that were on target. Max Kennedy had the other one. Brett Senal made three saves in net for the Owls.
Sunday: 1-0 Owls
How it Happened:
After a down day Saturday, UMPI regrouped and got ready for another big matchup that they had to have to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot. The Owls got to work against Cobleskill, and quickly it was apparent how evenly matched the two teams were. After all, the game ended 15-14 in shots, in favor of Cobleskill.
A lot of Cobleskill's chances came in the from the 15th minute to the 20th minute as they applied a lot of pressure on UMPI. The Owls defense passed the test as they kept the Tigers out of the net. The Owls threw their own jabs but spread out more. At the end of the first half, the game was scoreless, with Cobleskill winning the shots battle 7-5.
The intensity ramped up in the second half as both teams realized the urgency of how a win could help their playoff chances, and likewise how a loss would diminish them. UMPI had a couple of early corner kicks in the second half but couldn't cash in. They finished the day with nine corners, as they kept up their pressure all day.
In the 72nd minute, UMPI midfielder Max Kennedy was able to break free from the defense and fire a great shot off, sending Cobleskill's keeper diving to save it. It clanked off the far left post, but ricocheted right back inside the box, where Jovain Barrett was johnny-on-the-spot for cleanup duty. Barrett finished the loose ball to give UMPI the boost they needed.
The Owls played great defense the rest of the way while also still keeping the pressure up which helped kill time even more.
Top Performers:
Jovain Barrett ended up being the hero for UMPI as the goal scorer, while Max Kennedy the original touch on it, Max Kennedy, got credited with the assist. Kennedy made four shots on the day. Isaac Doore also had four shots, with two on goal. Brett Senal was sharp in net, making five key saves to preserve the shutout.
Next Up:
The Owls improve to 2-4-1 in conference play, and leap up the standings to sole possession of sixth place—the last qualifying spot for the playoffs. With two weekends to go, the Owls will try to hold on to that spot as they have two conference games reaming.
