The College's men's soccer team tallied another win last Wednesday against Drew University in a non-conference game. The 3-1 victory over the Rangers gives the Lions a record of 9-1-1 on the season and extends their current winning streak to four.
The first goal of the game came in the 20th minute when sophomore forward Matt Luber hit a volley that deflected off a Drew defender and landed in the far corner of the net.
Head coach George Nazario stressed the importance of creating opportunities. "At that point in the game we did not have much going," Nazario said. "But you always get rewarded for attempting shots on the net."
Drew tied the game early in the second half with a well-struck ball from 30 yards out by senior midfielder Tim Cordier.
"The goal put us back on our heals," Nazario said. "They did a good job of dictating how the game was played from that point forward.
However, with 20 minutes left, junior defender Tim Dudek netted what would become the game-winning goal with a feed from senior midfielder Matthew Connor.
Patiently, Dudek stayed onsides waiting for the pass from Connor at the corner of the box. Running without the Drew defenders, he placed the ball past the oncoming goalie into the right corner of the goal. Dudek continues to lead the Lions in goals this year with eight.
Later, Luber and the team's leading assist man, sophomore midfielder Joseph McGinley connected for the Lions' third and final goal. Luber made a determined effort, beating two defenders and finally the goalie to record his second goal of the competition.
Nazario pointed out that although the Lions did not control the game, allowing Drew six more shots in the second half, they did capitalize on their opportunities. "Any kind of win is a good win even if we did not play to the best of our ability," he said. "Ultimately, it comes down to scoring goals."
Lions' sophomore goalie Matt Kasperavicius made seven saves for the Lions.
"Matt has played very well for us this season. He has made very few mistakes that have translated into goals against us," Nazario said.
Junior midfielder Marc Cino went down early in the game with a twisted knee. It is unknown whether he will be available for upcoming games.
The Lions will travel to Rutgers University-Newark tonight at 7 p.m. in another non-conference game.
