LYNDON CENTER, Vt. - The men's soccer team returned to the field Sunday less than 24 hours after the completion of their game at Mitchell College. This time at home playing Curry College and dropping the third game of the season, 8-0.
From the first whistle, the Hornets came out strong. They were utilizing their strengths and playing their style of play. The Hornets had a number of chances but often sent the ball wide of the target. A few counter attacks by the Curry Colonels tested keeper Matt LaClair (Beekmantown, NY) but each time the Hornets moved the ball back into offensive territory using skilled passing. Things seemed to be going the way of the home team until Ryan Madden connected with Jake Szyndler in the 37th minute to break the tie. One minute and 21 seconds later it would be Szyndler who picked up the assist for the goal by Dave Stapleton.
Unfortunately for the Hornets, the Colonels were not done scoring for the first half as they pushed the lead to three on a Matt Cotnoir goal who was assisted by Jake Giancarlo Orsini. Going into the half down three, the Hornets were tired and deflated.
However, the Hornets would start the half playing their game again, moving the ball and keeping possession in Curry's half of the field. Only to be disappointed when Hunter Duval would gain possession of his blocked shot and place the ball in the back of the net to make the score 4-0 in the favor of the Colonels.
Four minutes later Dave Stapleton would make a lead pass by the defenders to Tim Stein who strategically placed the shot behind replacement keeper Jason Pelkey (Barre, VT).
Tired and battling new and old injuries, the Hornets would continue to allow the Colonels to add to the scoreboard. Justin Kantchev would post back to back goals with help from Tim Stein and James Hytne, respectively. Curry's scoring would be capped off when Kyle Henry took a shot at Pelkey who was unable to corral the ball, allowing Nate Swartz to capitalize for the eighth goal of the day (assist by Kyle Henry).
"Credit goes to Curry," head coach Rob Carey expressed after the game. "They broke us down and capitalized on our mistakes in the first half."
"In the second half, we were tired and injuries certainly played their part," Carey continued. "As the game went on we got away from what we are trying to accomplish but the consistency that we need will come with time."
Looking at the week ahead Carey stated, "We have to rest and heal as we get ready for St. Michael's where we will work to be consistent for 90 minutes against a tough opponent."
The Hornets (0-3-0) will travel to meet St. Michael's Thursday at 4:00pm. The Colonels (3-0-0) will host Salem State on Wednesday at 4:00pm. (Game Recap Courtesy of Lyndon State Sports Information)
