Sept. 22, 2010

Final Stats

The Saints and Devils met Wednesday in Connecticut and the heavens apparently disapproved. Siena ousted Central Connecticut 5-3 in a lightning-shortened affair that had plenty of voltage before the skies opened up.

Sindre Ek registered a hat trick, and the Saints scored three times in less than seven minutes, turning a 2-1 deficit into a commanding 4-2 lead early in the second half.

"Sindre was great tonight," Head Coach Gareth Elliott said. "He only played about half the game and scored three goals. He played a new spot and it turned out great."

Ek was moved up from midfield to the frontline in place of Emery Welshman who was one of three key starters not to make the trip. He scored his three goals in just 39 minutes on the pitch.

The game was called following a 35 minute lightning delay with just over five minutes remaining. Central Connecticut had been whistled for a red card before the teams headed for shelter. Still, Siena welcomed the shortened decision, having suffered through plenty of extra time already this season.

The Saints had lost four straight games entering tonight, three coming in double-overtime by the same2-1 margin.

"I'm delighted with the result, but I'm disappointed we conceded three goals," Elliott added. "We were fortunate to have some good chances, but need to get better to meet our goals."

In addition to the reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year Welshman, Siena played without center backs Jannis Opalka and Falko Friedrichs.

Steve Covino and Joe Tavernese registered Siena's other two goals. The Blue Devils scored the game's first goal in the second minute, a fact that irritated Elliott who said he emphasized the importance of a good start in his pregame address with the team.

But the end result was satisfactory, if unconventional.

"I'm just happy to get out of here safely with a win," Elliott said.