Nov. 14, 2007
Final Stats
Loudonville, N.Y. - Senior forward Thomas Ciovacco connected on the Saints first three goals leading the Siena men's soccer team to a 6-2 victory over the #9 seed Rider this afternoon in the opening round of the 2007 MAAC Championships. The victory earns #8 Siena (6-9-4) a quarterfinal match with top-seeded Loyola (15-3) tomorrow afternoon at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Kick off is set for 1:45 p.m.
Ciovacco's career performance got on track in the 10th minute when he accepted a feed from teammate Jason Laffin and sent a shot cross goal into the back of the net. Less than four minutes later, Ciovacco punched a rebound in front of net past the Broncs goalkeeper Randall Zapolski marking his second score of the game.
Rider countered with 22:51 on the clock when Nico Tramontana placed a corner kick past Siena goalie Steve Skonieczny. Skonieczny finished with a game-high three saves in 90 minutes of action.
In the 30th minute, Ciovacco posted his third score thanks to a precise corner kick from freshman Sebastien Anzevui. The goal sent Ciovacco into seventh place all-time on the program's career goals list (17).
Steve Covino and Robert DiFilippo teamed up for a pair of unassisted goals just before intermission to give Siena a 5-1 advantage at the break.
The Broncs managed to score off a penalty kick in the 56th minute courtesy of Tom Dunn cutting the Saints lead to 5-2. However, Siena sealed the victory soon after when Mike DeSimone placed a header between the pipes. DiFilippo was credited with the assist on the play marking his third point of the contest.
With the victory, the Saints advance to the quarterfinals and look to avenge its 2-0 loss at Loyola earlier this season. Siena stands 3-17-1 all-time versus the Greyhounds.
