Sept. 22, 2007
Final Stats
Loudonville, N.Y. - Holy Cross exploded for three second half goals and ran off with a 3-0 decision in its men's soccer contest this afternoon in Loudonville. Crusaders midfielder Jon Werth notched the game winning goal in the 59th minute to serve Siena (3-3-1) its first home loss of the season.
The teams went scoreless through the first 45 minutes of what proved to be a defensive battle. Siena defenders Liam Welsh, Kevin Gluchowski and Daniel Aucar matched up well in the first half. Aucar earned the spot start at defensive in lieu of the injured Brian Woodfield.
Both squads combined for a mere six shot attempts in the first period.
The Crusaders made adjustments at intermission and came out in the second half attacking. With 58:21 on the clock, Holy Cross (4-2-0) took advantage of a free-kick resulting from Siena freshman Nick Viaggio's yellow card. Werth placed the shot into the top left corner to put Holy Cross on top 1-0.
Siena responded minutes later with a near scoring opportunity when Welsh made a defensive stop and pushed the ball into the offensive end. Saints midfielder Geoff Narode got a good touch on the ball and served it to Anthony Tagliaferri who sent a shot just high of the crossbar.
The Saints slightly missed another opportunity to even the contest in the 65th minute when Welsh placed a header just wide off a corner kick from Gluchowski.
Just under two minutes later, Holy Cross connected on a similar play when Kyle Miller headed a service from Werth into the back of the net.
With 88:04 on the clock, Crusaders midfielder Andreas Andrews put the game out of reach when he broke free of the Siena defense and sent one past freshman goalkeeper Steve Skonieczny.
Skonieczny allowed all three goals and posted three saves on the afternoon.
The loss snaps a three game Saints winning streak, while it helps Holy Cross improve to 4-2-0 on the season. Siena returns to action at home on Tuesday when they square off with Army on Siena Field. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.
