Photo Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Ashley Nace
The Susquehanna Men’s Soccer team dropped a 5-0 result on senior day to Drew on Saturday at Sassafras Fields.
The River Hawks’ (2-7-3 Overall, 0-2-2 Landmark) six seniors — Zak Kreisher, Darin Martin, Cole Kline, Owen Karr, Parks Ordiway, and Luke Edwin — were recognized before game.
Most of the Drew’s (6-3-3 Overall, 2-2 Landmark) goals came in the second half, with only one being scored in the first.
The Rangers we’re able to get on the board in the first six minutes of play, followed by two more shots, one of which was saved by Susquehanna goalkeeper Jason Krum, putting the River Hawks on the chase from the start.
“I think we did a good job of getting some half chances even when we were chasing the game,” Kreisher said.
Kreisher had three of the River Hawks six shots against the Rangers.
Three corner kicks were all the River Hawks generated until the last ten minutes of the half when Kreisher had the first shot. A minute later, Khalil McDonald ripped one off for the River Hawks, but to no avail.
“We had a couple of good opportunities in the first half, including a couple of corners that we weren’t able to capitalize on,” Kreisher said.
Drew took a corner kick with 1:22 to go and had their final shot with 40 seconds on the clock.
Down 1-0 entering the second half, Susquehanna remained on defense as the Rangers drove in more shots.
Drew took four shots at the net in the first 15 minutes of play, giving Krum two more saves.
A Rangers corner kick kept the ball in Susquehanna’s defensive third, resulting in a goal. Drew’s third goal came 4:35 after their second, with the Landmark Conference leader in goals Andrew Dunne finding the back of the net.
Kreisher drove to the net for a shot on the Rangers that was saved and turned over for a shot for Drew, which was picked up by Krum.
“We just wanted to continue playing in the style we have all year, trying to have more possession of the ball and have an organized press once we lose it,” Kreisher said.
With 11:34 on the clock, Dunne scored his second goal of the game for The Rangers to give his team a 4-0 lead and extend his goal tally this season.
Regardless of Drew’s heavy pressure, Susquehanna continued to battle, posting two back-to-back corner kicks that resulted in two back-to-back shots, both from Jack McCarthy.
“Being down in the second half in a conference game forces you to try more things offensively that sometimes leave you more open at the back,” Kreisher said.
In the final six minutes of play, both teams earned a yellow card which ended the action until the last 48 seconds when Drew found their final goal.
The Rangers outshot the River Hawks 17-6, with shots on goal coming to 8-2.
Krum also posted a season high of five saves.
“We know we have a great opportunity to get a good result and gain some momentum on Wednesday for the rest of the season,” Kreisher said.
The River Hawks return to the pitch Wednesday, Oct 10 at 1 p.m. as they seek their first conference win at Juniata College.