EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 10, 2021) – The defensive line of the Mount St. Mary's men's soccer team rose to the test Sunday afternoon, staring down 32 shots from the Sacred Heart Pioneers. After 29 successful stops, it was the 30
th attempt that made it through as the Pioneers took the match by a 1-0 result.
Adam Siviter was a presence in goal for the Mount, denying 10 of the 11 shots on goal. The save total marks a new career high for the senior.
On offense, freshman
Dominik Topolsky made a statement in his collegiate debut, firing two shots and playing the entire game. Eight Mountaineers tallied nine shots, with four on goal.
The first half passed with no match facts recorded, but that did not mean it was longing for exciting moments. Sacred Heart initiated their offensive onslaught from the outset, sending three shots in the opening minutes. By the time the Mount got their first attempt away, a on target shot by
Adao Manuel, the Pioneers had six. Aided by numerous corners, SHU got several opportunities, most of which fell off target. Mount's second chance from
Marcus Lewis came in the 30
th minute.
Early momentum in the second half came to the Mountaineers with two shots, one of which was saved off a set piece. Sacred Heart quickly seized the momentum and resumed their battering of the defense. Siviter was forced to kick his game into high gear, making seven saves in the half.
Dominique Giovannini tried to take advantage of a chance in the 76
th minute but Pioneer keeper Justin Seigel preserved the shutout. After Topolsky fired a shot that sailed high, Sacred Heart raced up field and past the defense. Oliver Persson made it past the back line and behind a charging Siviter to break the ice. For Persson, it served as his second consecutive game winner.
Mount St. Mary's fell to 2-10 (0-4 NEC) on the season. The team will work to stem the tide Thursday when they travel to Loretto, Pa. and play Saint Francis U.
