Freshman Emilio Coletta was awarded two Liberty League awards for his efforts last week, Rookie of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week. Coletta earned shutouts on the week to help the Saints earn a win and a tie in their first Liberty League weeekend. He saved 5 shots on goal against Hamilton, and 4 against Hobart to preserve the two scoreless games.

OVERTIME IS NOT ENOUGH, SAINTS TIE HAMILTON

Sept. 24: The St. Lawrence Men’s Soccer team played their second overtime game in two days to open their Liberty League schedule at home, but this time, two overtime periods would not decide the winner. The Saints are now 3-4-1 on the year, and 1-0-1 in the Liberty League. The Continentals are now 5-0-1 overall, and 1-0-1 in conference.

With 1:30 left in the second overtime, Zach Kelly had a great chance with a shot from the right corner, but SLU goalie Emilio Coletta landed on it for the save. Then, less than 15 seconds later, James Merrill dribbled through the defense and created a one-on-one with goalie, but Anthony Tripicchio made a diving save to preserve to 0-0 tie.

With three minutes left in the first overtime, the Saints had a great chance on a cross from Gil Schaper to Paul LaMarca, who then passed it through the box to Elliot Savtiz, but Tripicchio made a save to end the chance.

There was 1:30 left in the first overtime when Hamilton’s Patrick Suarez dribbled through a couple of Saint defenders, but was overtaken and the ball was booted out of bounds for a corner kick. The Continentals could not convert on the corner.

The Saints dominated during regulation, taking 21 shots to Hamilton’s 8. SLU also led corners at 4-3. Hamilton goalie Tripicchio had a busy day in the net, saving 9 shots before overtime.

Both teams had chances to end it in regulation. Hamilton’s Max Akuamoah-Boateng booted a ball just over the crossbar in the first half; and St. Lawrence could have converted on a number of chances.

On the day, Coletta made 5 saves to Tripicchio’s 11, and the Saints outshot the Continentals 24-10.

SLU’s next contest will be Oct. 1 st against Potsdam at home at 5:00pm.

SAINTS END SKID, TOP HOBART IN OT

Sept. 23: The St. Lawrence Men’s Soccer team ended a four game losing streak, with an overtime win over conference rival Hobart, 1-0. The Saints ended the 0-0 knot in the second minute of overtime when freshman Joey Mattina threaded the ball through to senior captain Elliot Savitz who got the best of Hobart goalie Phil DaCosta and buried the ball in the lower left corner of the net from 15 yards out.

By the end of regulation, both teams had their chances to end it with shots edging off the posts. With 24 minutes left in the first half, Brendan Tougher shot from the left corner of the box, and DaCosta made a diving save. Mattina fielded the rebound and drove it off the right post for the near miss.

With 15:15 remaining in the second half, Nick Mangee crossed a beautiful ball to Steve Watson on a free kick that Watson headed toward the upper left corner of the net, but DaCosta made another amazing save to keep it scoreless.

With 2:20 remaining in the game, Hobart had three quick chances to take the lead with Dan Riso, Chris Rogers, and Ben Crosky all taking shots within 7 seconds of each other. In the fury, SLU goalie Emilio Coletta came away with two saves.

On the day, Coletta and DaCosta each had 5 saves.

The Saints will take on Hamilton tomorrow on MacAllaster Field at 2:00pm to continue their Liberty League schedule. They are now 3-4-0 on the year, and 1-0-0 in the Liberty League.