Sports
Men’s soccer secures Coach Nizzi’s 150th victory against Bates
By Grecia Santos ’20
September 15, 2016
Tags sports
The Hamilton College men’s soccer team won their NESCAC opener on Saturday after a disappointing loss to SUNY Oswego on Tuesday in a non-league game. Hamilton finished with a 17-11 advantage in shots against SUNY Oswego and had two opportunities to take a first half lead. Goalkeeper Evan Bogucki challenged mid-fielder Jefri Schmidt ’20 wide of the net on the goal line. Schmidt was able to tap the ball to mid-fielder Mike Lubelczyk ’17 but Lubelczyk’s shot into the net was negated by a Hamilton foul. Bogucki was also able to block a Hamilton penalty shot, diving to his right in the 25th minute.
However, Hamilton returned strongly to face Bates College, where the Continentals forced their hosts to concede a goal within the first four minutes. Mid-fielder Lubelczyk scored the game’s only goal, assisted by Alex Cadet ’17. Cadet marked the first assist of his career and Lubelczyk booked his first goal of 2016 and third of his career. Although there was only one goal, the Continentals put lots of pressure on Bates goalkeeper Robbie Montanaro, forcing him to make five saves, four of which were in a four-minute span during the second half. Before halftime, Bates put forth a great effort, hitting the post after a shot by Eric Opoku was blocked. However, Hamilton’s defense was strong and goalkeeper Harris Pollack ’17 made four saves, recording his ninth career shutout. Pollack stopped a bicycle kick in the 84th minute, successfully blocking Bates’ last chance at tying the game. Hamilton now leads the all-time series 4-1-1 with the Bobcats.
Defender Jose Torres ’20 shared his thoughts on the game, saying, “The game was very intense and hard-fought and we deserved the win for being the better team.” Forward Matthew Casadei ’19 added, “After a disappointing first loss at SUNY Oswego, the team bounced back with a convincing win away at Bates. With multiple returners injured and a large group of first year players, the team has melded very quickly both on and off the field. We have a five home game stint coming up and are looking forward to seeing some home support as we try to build a strong record in the conference.”
Hamilton’s win against Bates also marks the 150th Hamilton victory for Coach Perry Nizzi, who is currently in his 19th year as head men’s soccer coach at Hamilton College. A native of Rome, NY, Nizzi has led the Continentals to the post season ten times, as well as four trips to the NCAA Division III championship and the 2013 NESCAC championship quarterfinals. His current record at Hamilton College stands at 150-96-28.
Leading his team to a large milestone early in the season, captain Alec Talsania ’17 looks forward to having a successful NESCAC run. Three of the next five matchups are NESCAC conference games, so Hamilton will be striving to put up a strong defense and a solid winning streak. The Continentals’s next five games are all on home field, where they will face Trinity College, Oneonta College, Ithaca College, Connecticut College and Middlebury College. The Continentals host Trinity College next on Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. on Love Field.