EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 1, 2022) – Mount St. Mary's flipped a bleak moment to a positive one, rallying playing one man down with a late penalty to defeat Canisius, 2-1, in Buffalo Saturday.
The win marks the first for the Mount in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play, as they improve their record to 5-4 (1-1 MAAC).
The first half came to climax in an action packed three minute frame, beginning with the Golden Griffins going ahead on a score from Daniel Longo. But within two minutes of that happening,
Raul Luna dribbled up the loose ball and deposited it in the upper left-hand corner of the net to draw level. The celebration was tempered when Mount's
Karamo Bah was sent off by the officials, reducing the team's players to 10 men.
Three first half saves from
Ethan Russell helped maintain the 1-1 score at the break.
Chippy play at the start of the second half resulted in plenty of fouls, but not many shots. Both sides had limited opportunities that came and went. It wasn't until the 81
st minute that the Mount seized the moment. After snuffing out some Canisius chances, the visitors charged on a counter. Luna crossed the ball into the box, where
Nathan Macek was waiting. The freshman got tangled with a Golden Griffin defender, who pulled him to the ground, necessitating a penalty.
Ondrej Soukup took the shot, sending it past the netminder on the left.
Two more attempts by Canisius went unfulfilled, allowing the Mountaineers to hold on despite playing a man down for two-thirds of the contest.
Returning to Waldron Family Stadium Wednesday, Mount St. Mary's plays their home MAAC opener at 5 p.m. against Saint Peter's.
