EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 14, 2023) –
Maks Czyz delivered his first career goal in the 71
st minute, propelling the Mount St. Mary's men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins Saturday at Waldron Family Stadium.
Picking up their second Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) win of the season, the Mount holds seven points in league play, tied with Rider for the final playoff spot with four matches remaining.
After early possession holds by Canisius, the field shifted to the Mount's offensive end 20 minutes in, where they made a near-immediate capitalization. Getting three opportunities,
Erick Villatoro found freshman
Kris Kolar Leban on the front left side of the box, planting a right-footed shot into the net. The goal was the Slovenian's first collegiate strike. In the 41
st minute, Dylan Rice of Canisius sent one towards the goal. The ball eluded the Mountaineers defense to draw the match level.
Seizing back control in the second half, the home team tried to cash multiple set piece chances while holding off Canisius. The opening for Czyz came when a cross by
Markus Nilsen got deflected by the Griffins in open space. The Norwegian freshman made swift work to deposit a right foot shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Turning to the defense, the Mount hunkered down to keep Canisius at bay, including an 83
rd minute save by Russell on an equalizing chance from Rice.
The Mountaineers outpaced the Golden Griffins in the shots category, 15-6. Goalkeeper
Ethan Russell collected two saves in three shots on goal. Play in the damp, chilly conditions flustered the opposition producing three Canisius bookings.
Mount St. Mary's travels to Quinnipiac for a 3 p.m. match Wednesday (Oct. 18) in Hamden, Connecticut.
