Box Score

Utica, N.Y. (9/3/2011) – The Utica College men's soccer team opened up its 2011 campaign in impressive fashion with a convincing 4-0 victory over visiting Colby-Sawyer in the semi-final round of the Utica College Invitational Saturday. Sophomore classmates Jonathon Peterson and Kevin McAllister led the way for the Pioneers with one goal and one assist a piece, while sophomore goalie Anthony Caruso stopped five shots on his way to earning his fifth career shut out.

Utica (1-0) will return to action on Sunday in the championship game against the winner of the 3 p.m. semi-final contest which features Hunter and Sage. Sunday's consolation will be played at noon and it will be immediately followed by the championship game.

The Pioneers commanded the majority of play in the first half, out shooting the Chargers from New Hampshire 19-5, but they could not seem to find the back of the net.

The second half proved to be a similar story but this time UC was able to capitalize on its close range opportunities and the Pioneers found themselves on top 2-0 just 5:12 into the second half. After a few failed scoring chances first half, sophomore Jeff Cupka was able to convert on his first collegiate goal after a beautiful give-and-go with Peterson. Cupka's goal beat Colby-Sawyer goalie Will Berry on the right side.

Just over two minutes later Peterson was presented with a golden opportunity after a misplayed ball in front by the Charger defense led to a wide open shot. This time Peterson connected off the upper right post and into the net to give UC a commanding 2-0 lead in the 50th minute. McAllister set Peterson up for his first goal of the year.

McAllister continued to help UC pour it on just under nine minutes later when he tallied his second career goal just before the 60 minute mark to give UC a 3-0 lead. Freshman Dennis Runikera sent in a perfect cross that McAllister guided into the back of the net to account for the Pioneer goal. The assist marked the first of Runikera's career.

Junior Jeff Konieczny sealed the victory for UC when he broke into the open field and received a 40 yard pass from freshman Chris Stashko. Konieczny collected himself on the run and slipped a shot past the Charger net minder on the right side to put the Pioneers up by four.

Colby-Sawyer (0-1) was outshot 34-5 on the afternoon and Will Berry made 11 stops in net for the visitors.

Did you know?

The victory marked the College's first victory on the brand new turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.

The win marks the first time in three years that the Pioneers have won their season-opener.

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