HOBOKEN, N.J. (September 6, 2009) – Freshman Zach Adler buried a free kick from the top of the penalty box into the back-right corner of the goal with 6:30 remaining to lift the No. 2 Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over visiting Rhode Island College in the Stevens College Cup on Sunday night at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Junior goalkeeper Zach Carr earned the win in goal as the Stevens defense pitched its second shutout in as many games. The Ducks are now 3-0 on the young season.
After a 50-50 start to the game, the Ducks went on to control the tempo and ball for the rest of the opening half. They dominated the first-half stat sheet, ending with an 11-2 advantage in shots and a 6-2 edge in corners but could not find the back of the net as RIC keeper Andrew Hogan (North Providence, R.I.) made two saves.
Senior midfielder John Radvany generated a great chance for senior captain Todd Sheridan but an RIC defender was able to get a deflection to end the threat. Freshman Zach Adler lofted a perfect service in front of the goal moments before the Sheridan chance, but senior Terrence Johnson's volley attempt went just wide and the contest remained scoreless going into the break.
The second half was very similar to the first as the Ducks completely dominated from start to finish. They maintained possession and field position for approximately 90 percent of the half and had a ton of quality chances at the net.
Stevens almost broke through with 15 minutes left when junior Nolan Sandberg struck a bender at the left post and Johnson missed a tip-in by inches.
Nine minutes later, a long through-ball off the foot of sophomore Tarik Kramcha hit Johnson in stride. Johnson squeaked by the defender who then pulled him down by the shirt one yard outside the penalty box. A red card was issued on the Rhode Island defender and Adler’s free kick was set up. The freshman, who has been taking most set-pieces and corners early on, fired a laser in the perfect spot for the game-winner. It was the first goal of his career and a marvelous ending to a fantastic opening week for the Stevens freshman (one goal, three assists).
The Stevens backline of senior Josh Williams, junior Bryan De Faria, sophomore Anthony Roden, senior Chris Faustino, Kramcha, and Carr did the rest as RIC could not get a good look at the net over the game’s final five minutes. Stevens has now allowed just one goal in 270 minutes of action this year.
The Ducks ended with a huge 25-5 advantage in shots and a 9-2 edge in corners. Carr was credited with one save and the win, while Hogan made six saves in the loss.
The Ducks will play the final game of a four-game season-opening home stand on Friday, September 11 against Vassar College. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the De Baun Athletic Complex.
