QUINTIN JAMES
Staff Writer
Coming into this season opener, expectations for the Fredonia men’s soccer team were high after a semifinal appearance in the SUNYAC playoffs last year. Coach PJ Gondek is taking the season one game at a time, but the pressure is always on to start out the season on a positive note.
Coach Gondek was confident heading into the game, saying, “We expect to win. I want to see them confident and composed.”
The season started this week in Buffalo for the Buffalo State Fred Hartrick Classic against Keuka College. The offense started off slow as both teams battled to a scoreless first half. Keuka broke through in minute 50 off a rebound to put Fredonia down for the first time in the season.
Fredonia would respond less than five minutes later when senior Ryan Ross crossed a ball that got deflected and landed near sophomore Conrad Rathbun, who evened the game up at one. The teams would trade chances back and forth until minute 90. After full time was reached, the teams remained tied and the game went into overtime.
In minute 99, however, Ryan Ross took a free kick from 30 yards out and found senior David Trabold who converted the chance to put Fredonia ahead at the end of the first overtime. Fredonia would hold on to start the season off 1-0 as they outshot Keuka 19-13, while sophomore goalie Ty Bentham made five saves in the winning effort.
Fredonia had another game in the tournament as they faced off against D’Youville. Fredonia’s offense started the game off hot and took care of business in the first half as they were up 4-1. Fredonia would cruise to 5-1 victory as five different players scored for the Blue Devils.
Sophomore Matt Casey got the scoring started in minute 20 off a direct kick to start the offense. D’Youville would respond with a goal of their own a minute later, but the Blue Devils would continue their offensive onslaught.
Ryan Ross would put Fredonia up in minute 36 as he scored off a cross from Noah Gittlement. A minute later, Ross would assist on a goal as off a corner kick, David Trabold would head another ball into the net to make it 3-1. In minute 44, freshman Pa Lu placed a through ball perfectly through the defense to senior Aaron Hayes who would finish converting and make the game 4-1 before the end of the half.
Fredonia would add an insurance goal in minute 72 as senior Parker Healy scored his first goal of the season off a cross from freshman Sam Wagner. The one-timer made the game 5-1, and Fredonia’s offense is getting hot to start the season.
They outshot D’Youville 18-8, and Ty Bentham had another good performance with four saves in the victory. Fredonia dominated in corner kicks (8-1) and controlled every aspect of the game for 90 minutes.
Fredonia comes home Friday as they play Alfred State in the Blue Devil Classic at University Stadium. As the Blue Devils look to go 3-0 on the season, things are looking up for Fredonia. This weekend will be a big test to see if Fredonia can keep up its momentum.