Saints Strike Gold

ALBANY, N.Y. - Capital Region men's soccer bragging rights will remain with Siena for a third consecutive year. Nathan Olukanmi scored the golden goal in the 102nd minute, rallying Siena past UAlbany 2-1 in double overtime Wednesday night at Bob Ford Field.

A raucous crowd of 1,869 - a large number of which wore Green and Gold and made the short trek across town from Loudonville - witnessed Siena's (4-2) first men's soccer win on UAlbany's (1-5-2) pitch in 26 years.

The speedy Olukanmi used his best asset, beating his defender down the left side and burying the game-winning tally inside the near left post. Freshman midfielder David Itoafa, fresh off a three-point match last time out, served in the pass that led to the goal.

Siena had the majority of quality opportunities, but needed to rally from an early deficit. Thomas Manz headed in a Pomare Te Anau corner kick in the 40th minute to put UAlbany in front.

James Beeston responded in the 72nd minute with a picture perfect free kick. The Saints' senior captain bent in a 20-yard strike over a five-man wall and inside the far left post to knot the score at 1-1.

Siena out-shot UAlbany 15-12 in snapping a seven-match losing streak on its rival's turf dating back to Sept. 28, 1987.

Adam Myers improved his unblemished career record to 7-0 between the pipes for the Saints, making two saves. Tim Allen was active throughout in goal for the Great Danes, with many of his seven saves posing a high degree of difficulty. 

Siena concludes its road non-conference schedule Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff at UMass.