Canisius Doubles Up Detroit, 4-2

by Canisius College Athletics
September 9, 2012
The Canisius College men's soccer team continued the best start in the program's history after earning a 4-2 victory against Detroit on Sunday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex. With the win, the Griffs improved to 4-0-2 on the year and also established a new school record for the longest unbeaten streak at any point in a season.

"This was a good win for us against a good Detroit team," said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. "Detroit presents a very different match up for our team and we did a great job of playing our style of play. Once again, we showed great character to rebound each time Detroit scored with goals of our own."

The Griffs' previous best unbeaten streak was five games in 1987. Canisius also matched the longest winning streak in school history with four-straight victories, tying the mark set by the 1980 team.

Senior Gavin Falconer led the Griffs with five points in the winning effort, netting two goals to go along with an assist. Sophomore Denver Spearman and freshman Alex De Carolis also scored in the team's fourth-straight win.

The Titans (2-4-0) opened the scoring in the contest, taking their only lead of the game in the eighth minute. After a long cross, Pat Lepera headed the ball in at the far post for the 1-0 advantage.

The Griffs answered back shortly later, knotting the contest after Falconer's third goal of the 2012 campaign. The senior scored off a free kick right outside the 18-yard box to tie the game at one in the 17th minute of play.

Canisius took the lead in the 32nd minute thanks to De Carolis' first collegiate goal. A loose ball popped out to the edge of the 18-yard box and the freshman hammered it into the back of the net for the 2-1 lead.

Detroit's Adam Bell, however, would tie the game at two in the 61st minute only to see the Griffs answer back immediately with two goals.

Falconer netted his second goal of the day and his fourth of the season less than four minutes after the Titans' tally. The senior scored an unassisted goal from 25 yards out for the 3-2 Canisius advantage.

Spearman then sealed the Canisius victory in the 69th minute of play. The sophomore beat a defender to the inside and then finished from 15 yards for the 4-2 final score. Falconer added the assist on the goal to complete his five-point afternoon.

Canisius finished the contest with a 25-13 advantage in shots and a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Senior Kareem Gray recorded two saves for the Griffs, while Nathan Steinwascher stopped five shots for the Titans.

The Griffs look to continue their winning ways next weekend in Las Vegas for the UNLV Nike Invitational. Canisius opens the invitational on Friday against Cal State Fullerton with game time slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Game Notes: The Griffs' four wins have matched their win total from the 2011 season ... Falconer's five points are the most for a Griff in a single game since Alan McGreal also recorded five points against Rider in 2009 ... The Griffs are averaging 2.00 goals per game in 2012 after posting a 0.79 scoring offense in 2011 ... Canisius improves to 3-6-0 all-time against Detroit.

 

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