Nov. 5, 2010

Final Stats

Not much is slowing down the Saints these days. Not sub-50 temperatures, not driving rain, and not Canisius. Siena kept its composure Friday, and in the process knocked off the Griffs 3-1 here in Loudonville for their fifth victory in a row. A sixth straight win Sunday over Niagara on Senior Day will give the Saints their first MAAC Regular-Season Championship in their 22 seasons in the league.

"Sunday's a big game for us," third year head coach Gareth Elliott said following Friday's win. "It's an important stepping stone for the program. At the beginning of the year, we set three goals on the field, and we have the first within our sights."

Friday's win wasn't a masterpiece, but the Saints showed the maturity and poise that defines a championship caliber team.

Canisius entered the game very much in the hunt for the final MAAC Tournament berth, and played with desperation from the first whistle. That style of play led to a 1-1 halftime tie, but desperation turned into frustration late in the contest.

Siena meanwhile stuck to the its game plan, and did not get rattled by the four cards (including a late red card) assessed to its rival.

Steve Covino stole the ball just inside the 25, spun free of a defender, and beat keeper Kareem Gray with a well placed touch into the lower left corner for what proved to be the winning tally in the 55th minute.

Center back Jannis Opalka came forward and tidily deflected James Beeston's entry pass past Gray in the 86th minute for insurance.

Opalka looked as fit as he has all season, an encouraging sign as postseason play nears.

"We're getting healthy and that's critical," Elliott said. "Jannis and (MAAC Player of the Year candidate) Emery (Welshman) are both feeling better. We took our lumps early in the year holding some of these guys back, but it seems to be paying off."

Siena grabbed an early lead when Joey Tavernese crossed to Matt Hemsley who finished off an indefensible 2-on-1 in the fourth minute sending the nation's third highest scoring team off and running. Canisius rallied smartly though, and played the Saints even for the first 45 minutes. Aaron Ramos-Gonzalez scored the equalizer on a free kick that Phil Chabot misread in the 35th minute.

Chabot stood tall the rest of the way though, stopping the other two shots he faced to help secure the win.