|
 Siena Men's Soccer Coasts Past Oneonta 3-0 in Season-Opener
Sept. 6, 2005
Caio Silva finished an errant clear attempt in the Oneonta zone in the seventh minute sparking a three-goal first half outburst as Siena struck early and often in a 3-0 season-opening victory over the Red Dragons in Loudonville Tuesday afternoon. A crowd of 625 turned out on opening day to see the Saints largest margin of victory since November 9, 2002. Silva's goal, just over six minutes into live action, provided all the insurance Siena (1-0) would need. Silva was the beneficiary of a heady play by teammate Mike DeSimone, who knocked the ball away from Oneonta keeper Timothy Melia to create the opportunity. Nine minutes after his game-winning tally, Silva found junior Michael Battiste off a free kick opportunity in the middle of the box. Battiste fired alertly into the lower left corner of the net to put the Saints on top 2-0. Siena started four freshman, and each played active roles in the victory. Senior Kris Dillman scored the final goal of the game in the 26th minute on a flying header off a T.J. Helly centering pass. The Saints defense then clamped down, and junior Patrick Henry knocked away Oneonta's only legitimate scoring threat in the middle of the second half when Adam Gercke got free in front of the net. Siena dictated tempo on both ends of the field, allowing just one Oneonta shot on goal on the afternoon. The Saints out-shot the Red Dragons 13-5. Oneonta falls to 0-1-1 on the year after a season-opening tie against UAlbany. Reserve goalie Jeff Dudley made three second half saves to keep Oneonta within striking distance. The game was delayed one hour due to the late arrival of the game officials. The crowd of 625 (made up of mostly Siena students) was the largest
non-basketball crowd to attend a Siena sporting event since April of 2004.
Siena returns to action on the road this weekend, taking on Buffalo at 1 p.m. on Sunday. |
