By Shawn Retta
Staff Writer
While the Lions were undefeated through their first three games, two last-minute goals from opposing teams which led to two draws gave the team something to improve on. And improve they did. The team scored five goals in two games, which includes their best game of the season in a dominant 4-0 win against Farmingdale State on Sept. 12.
“The group is continuing to come together extremely well, and the process takes time, so it was nice for us to get such a positive result against SUNY Farmingdale,” stated head coach Steve DiMatteo. With that being said I think all of our performances throughout the early part of the year have shown progress game to game, and has shown the character the group has.”
This win was the most goals the Lions have scored all season. Four different players scored, including sophomore Aidan Ayar, who continues his hot streak with five goals in five games. He has surpassed the amount of goals he had last season.
“Aidan is a player with loads of quality and he has shown that since his arrival here last year as a Freshman… He has a good sense for goal and he is very calm in pressure moments,” Coach DiMatteo responded, “He is a great person to have in our team, he is very selfless, has a great mentality, and has a very team first mindset.”
Another key factor from this game was the stellar defense from the Lion’s back half of the pitch. Defense from the likes of junior Lawrence Mancino and freshman Alex Lopez kept the Ram-bo offense on ice as they were only able to get one shot on goal, which was saved by sophomore Carson Dodd.
One interesting note to add is that Dodd and the Lions other goalkeeper, sophomore Sean Nadjzinowicz, have alternated time at the goalkeeping spot this season. Both have had stellar starts to the year, and that’s exactly why Coach DiMatteo has faith in both of them.
“We are extremely fortunate to have the quality that we have in our entire GK group. Sean and Carson are both very talented goalkeepers and bring a lot to the team with their play and personality… The more experience we get both players the stronger we feel the team will be. Sean and Carson are both great teammates and competitors, they both always want what is best for the group and show that by their play and actions,” Coach DiMatteo said.
In their next match against Muhlenberg, the Lions were able to overcome a 1-0 deficit when sophomore Defender Matt Maceri laced one through the net in the 41st minute. Neither team was able to net another, and 1-1 remained the final score, with the Lions getting their third draw of the season. Their record now sits at 2-0-3.
The Lions complete the second half of their four game homestand with the Hunter Hawks Saturday morning, then bring the Swarthmore Garnet into Lions Stadium on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
