Coming off a rough 4-1 loss against Southern New Hampshire University, the New Haven men’s soccer team were back in action as they took on the College of Staten Island on Wednesday, Oct. 12. New Haven had an opportunity to get back in the win column and give them over a .500 record on the season. With a 1-0 win over the Dolphins, New Haven now stands at 5-4-2 overall on the season with a 2-3-2 record in Northeast-10 (NE-10) play.
The first half was dominated by the Chargers as they tallied five shots on goal to Staten Island’s one. Neither team was able to get any momentum going early on offense and break the scoreless tie. Midfielder Augustus McGiff was a major catalyst for New Haven’s offense in the first half with three of the team’s five shots, but none were able to get past goalkeeper Nicholas Shields.
The opening minutes of the second half was a back-and-forth affair where neither team could maintain possession of the ball. After a yellow card in the 56th minute by Staten Island defender Aidan Sivio, the Chargers offense broke out again as McGiff fired another shot to the net that missed left. Just 33 seconds later, defender Sean Lane-Turnbull put New Haven ahead by one with a goal assisted by forward Fabio Bastina Andreu.
Following the goal, the Dolphins looked to cash in on a scoring chance and tie the game at one in the later minutes. The Chargers defense stood strong all game, forcing goalkeeper Mattia Palanca to face just two shots and saved them both.
New Haven continued to send shots to the net as they finished the game with 13 and seven reaching the net. Their consistent pressure allowed them to control the game and take advantage of Staten Island being out of position to take a lead and hold it all the way to the end of the match. It was an all around great game for the Chargers, who shut down every scoring chance for Staten Island. New Haven is in the midst of a rebound season as they enter the final four games of the season with a trip to the NE-10 playoffs on the line.
The New Haven Chargers will be back in action at Kathy Zolad Stadium this upcoming Tuesday, Oct. 17 as they will be taking on Adelphi University. Kickoff is scheduled to be at 7 p.m. as the Chargers look to collect another win. For more information, you can go on NewHavenChargers.com.
