By: Sharvani Regmi
BROCKPORT, NY-- In Brockport's second home game since joining the Empire 8, the Golden Eagles fell short against the non-conference competitor Buffalo State Bengals 2-0. Brockport was disadvantaged going in as their starter senior forward Russ Domm missed the game after a two-match suspension that followed his red card against Ithaca College.
The Golden Eagles entered the match with a 1-3-1 record having scored three goals in five games. The Bengals entered with a 4-0-1 record, totaling 16 goals so far this season. Historically, Brockport has a record of 13 wins against Buff. State whereas Buff. State has only won 8 games against Brockport.
Buff. State opened its scoreline in the 21st minute of the game with a goal from midfielder Manu Prieto. Prieto was successful in chipping in a goal in a 1-on-1 against Brockport goalkeeper Andrew Taylor.
The Bengals added their second goal when Manu Prieto scored a brace in the 82nd minute of the game. Passing shorter balls and creating space behind the Brockport defense played a big role in the Bengal’s win.
Throughout the game, Brockport goalkeeper and captain Andrew Taylor made eight saves that kept the Golden Eagles in the game despite the pressure from the opposition.
“I think we had chances, we played pretty well, but we just couldn’t capitalize, and they end up hurting us,” said junior forward Peter Tinaj. “We have to try and stop those counter attacks and score more goals. We have got to try and find those 50-50 balls, first ball, second and third and just keep winning those because we got a lot of talent.”
Freshman defender Khadim Amar is the only player in the roster who has played a full 90 minutes in six games this season. Starter senior center back Malcolm Philips was subbed off in the first half due to an injury. Midfielder Eric Ramirez had to move from central midfield to the backline to cover the center back position.
Starter goalkeeper Andrew Taylor was replaced by Dylan Lopez in the last quarter of the game as the goalkeeper sustained an elbow injury. Lopez made his second appearance of the season today in the 87th minute.
"My biggest takeaway from this game is that I think we saw moments of sparks and brilliance where we were moving the ball around well, our energy was high, and we were dominating them," Lopez said. "Now we just have to put that final piece together and capitalize on our chances and find the back of the net."
The Golden Eagles will be on the road this Saturday, September 21 to face an Empire 8 opponent in Keuka College.
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