Sept. 1, 2010

Box Score

Bronx, N.Y. - The Adelphi University men's soccer team traveled to the Bronx, New York to take on the Fordham Rams in their 2010 season opener. Fordham and Adelphi played to a scoreless tie in regulation, but the Panthers would not be denied, claiming a 1-0 double overtime win to start the season 1-0, while Fordham falls to 0-1.

Both defenses held up during regulation and thru one overtime as Fordham turned away nine Adelphi corner kicks and the Panthers weathered 14 Ram shots. However, Adelphi broke through in the 107th minute as Brandon Stoneham connected with Sam Vanaria, who beat Fordham keeper, Ryan Meara, to give Adelphi the victory, 1-0. The goal was the first of Vanaria's career, who had two assists in 2009.

The teams played scoreless through the first half with each having strong scoring chances. The first chance was a header by Fordham's Tim Richardson that went wide of the left goal post in the 21st minute. Adelphi, which had six corner kicks in the first half, picked up its first true scoring opportunity off the foot of Issa Tall, but his bender shot went wide of the right post in the 24th minute.

Each goalkeeper was then tested late in the half. Adelphi's Michael Aquino put a header on net, which Meara made a diving stop on in the 42nd minute. Right after that fray, Fordham had their two best chances of the game. The first was a shot by John Niyonsaba, which was turned away by Adelphi goalkeeper Thorne Holder in the 43rd minute, while Fordham's Doug Hanly was able to get a header over Holder in the 44th minute, but Adelphi defender Dan Larenius was able to clear the ball just before it crossed the line, preserving the scoreless tie.

Holder made three saves, picking up his first win of the season and his first clean sheet, while Meara was credited with the loss, making two saves.

The host Rams out shot Adelphi, 14-9, while the Panthers held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks. Adelphi was whistled for more fouls, 11-9, while Fordham was called offsides six times to just once for the visiting Panthers.

Adelphi returns to the pitch on Saturday, September 4 when they play host to Big East Conference member Syracuse University at 7:00 pm.