Men’s Soccer Remains Unbeaten After 1-0 Win

by Canisius College Athletics
September 6, 2012
The Canisius College men's soccer team won a battle of unbeatens on Thursday night, earning a 1-0 victory against Western Michigan at the Demske Sports Complex. The Griffs improve to 3-0-2 with the win, marking the first time in the program's history that the team is undefeated through five games. The Broncos suffered their first loss of the season and are now 4-1-0.

"I thought our work rate was outstanding tonight," said Canisius head coach Dermot McGrane. "We knew that Western Michigan was a very hard working team and our goal was to not only match them but to exceed it, which I think we accomplished. With each game, out team is learning, improving and growing in confidence. We just need to continue throughout the season, starting with Detroit on Sunday."

Senior forward Regan Steele scored the game-winning goal for the Griffs to lead the team to its third-straight victory.

Senior goalkeeper Kareem Gray recorded his second shutout of the season and the fifth of his career with three stops on the night to anchor the Canisius defense.

The teams combined for only eight shots in the opening half but it was the Griffs that had two golden chances. Senior forward Gavin Falconer knocked the ball wide from close range in the 18th minute and senior defender Andrew Incho headed a shot past the Bronco goalkeeper in the 39th minute only to see a Western Michigan defender clear it off the line.

The Griffs finally found the back of the net in the 60th minute when Steele scored his second goal of the season. Falconer chipped the ball past the Western Michigan defense out wide to senior Ian Buzzio. The midfielder then crossed the ball back to Steele, who finished from 10 yards out for the game's only tally.

The Canisius defense sealed the victory from there, earning the clean sheet and the 1-0 win.

The Griffs finished the contest with a 14-11 advantage in shots and a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Sean Lewis recorded one save in net for the Broncos.

Canisius looks to continue its winning ways on Sunday, hosting Detroit. Game time at the Demske Sports Complex is set for noon.

Game Notes: Canisius entered the game ranked third in the NSCAA North Atlantic Region, its highest-ever placement ... Western Michigan entered the game receiving votes in the NSCAA national poll and ranked sixth in the Great Lakes Region ... The Griffs also matched the longest unbeaten streak in the program's history, tying the mark set by the 1987 team ... The three-game winning streak is the first for the Griffs since 2007 ... The assist was the first of Buzzio's career ... Canisius improves to 3-5-0 all-time against the Broncos.

 

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