On Friday, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) defeated Ramapo’s men’s soccer team 1-0. The loss moved the Roadrunners to a 2-3-2 record on the season, while TCNJ sits at 3-5-1.
The second shot and the only goal of the game occurred just after the fourth minute of action. TCNJ midfielder Colin Kenville scored with help from defensive midfielder Sebastian Hernandez. It was Kenville’s first goal of the season, and Hernandez’s first assist.
Ramapo goalkeeper Zachary Natt redeemed himself by saving the next four shots and keeping TCNJ scoreless throughout the second half. TCNJ took seven shots on goal in total, and the first was the only one that made it past Natt.
The Roadrunners’ offense was not lacking. The team took 21 shots throughout the game, 10 of which were on goal. Senior midfielder Massimo Gallorini was credited with two of the on-goal shots.
Despite the Roadrunners’ vigor, TCNJ’s senior goalkeeper Julian Franco could not be outmaneuvered. His skills have been built from saving 201 goals for the Lions since joining the team as a sophomore, and held Ramapo scoreless for both periods.
The shutout piled devastation onto the loss, but Ramapo’s record is far from spoiled. Their potential is evident in their record from last season, when they boasted 6-7-4 overall and 5-2-2 for conference games. Their recent shutout against Cairn University suggests that the team can still make noise, and their 2-3-2 record for the season thus far indicates hope is far from lost.
Considering his freshman status, Natt’s stats indicate clear talent. He allowed no goals in the previous game he played, and has accumulated nine saves despite his short career at Ramapo so far. This slip-up is a blip compared to the rest of his performance on the team.
Gallorini is also a player to watch out for this season. He earned respect during his freshman year with a game-winning goal, and has been a team player across 42 games played with a total of six assists.
Next up, the men’s team will defend their own turf from Montclair State University on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m. The last time they versed, Ramapo lost 5-2. With Montclair’s current record standing at 7-0-1 overall, and 1-0 at NJAC level, it will be a fight to the finish. Tune in to see if the Roadrunners are able to harness their star power and triumph.
jhammer@ramapo.edu & dbongiov@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
