2008 Woodie Awards
Men's soccer upsets #11 team in the nation
Stefanie Ordoveza
Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: Sports
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The Gaels opened the match strong, dominating the first 20 minutes. With many opportunities, the Gaels finally scored on a one-timer by senior defender Alex Christlieb.
The play started on a short corner kick to freshman forward Ryan Corriveau at the top of the box. Corriveau then crossed the ball over to fellow freshman forward Mark Araujo.
Araujo then volleyed the ball back into the middle where an unmarked Christlieb found the low corner of the goal, taking a hard shot past the Dons' goalie Geremy Uhl and giving the Gaels the early 1-0 lead.
The Gaels' strategy quickly became a defensive one, highlighted by senior defender Anthony Butler, senior midfielder Corey Watts, and freshman defender Ryan Klasila.
Though with a strong defensive effort from the Gaels came also a slight shift in momentum for the Dons.
In the second half, USF attacked with several goal opportunities. Within the first ten minutes, USF's Adam Bergman shot a bending ball from the top of the box that hit the crossbar, freezing the entire Gael defense and almost tying the game.
However, as time progressed, the Saint Mary's defense proved too tough for the Dons, only allowing them one shot on goal in the second half, which came from Brandon McDonald in the 59th minute.
Seven minutes later, a frustrated McDonald came behind Gael midfielder Watts on a header, which abruptly turned into a standoff between both players. McDonald and Watts were both issued yellow cards.
The game continued with USF urgently searching for ways to tally a goal on their end.
The Dons' Matt Languis took two shots with one coming close, hitting the crossbar with 13 minutes left in the game. They were also awarded a corner kick but were still unable to finish.
Shortly after, Saint Mary's substituted junior midfielder Erik Robert who sparked the Gaels' offensive efforts in the closing minutes of the game.