ALBANY, N.Y. – For the second time to open the 2025 season, the Keene State College men's soccer team picked up a 2-0 win, this time on their first road contest of the season as they defeated Russel Sage College on Friday afternoon.
Records
- Keene State: 2-0
- Russell Sage: 2-1
How it Happened
It took nearly 10 minutes until the first shot of the game as once the Owls got going on the attack, they recorded nine shots over the next 20 minutes, compared to just one from RSC. Just as the Owls had blocked the only shot attempt thus far from the Gators, they also had four of their own shots blocked of their nine. Of the other five, only two reached the target, that the Gators' goalkeeper, Mateja Milutin, saved. In the remaining 10:30 of the opening half, KSC recorded four more shots and after the first three of four missed the target, the final shot of the half was the first goal of the contest as
Dorian Wilczynski scored his first goal as an Owl with
Luke Hartshorn recording an assist for his first career collegiate point to put the Owls ahead 1-0 heading into the half.
After Milutin saved the opening shot on Hartshorn in the second half, the Gators had a pair of corner kicks shortly after as they looked to tie the game up at one apiece, but they were unable to capitalize as KSC held onto their 1-0 lead for the moment. Another Owl picked up his first career collegiate point shortly after, just 12 minutes into the second half, as
Pierpaolo Galardo assisted
Cristian Correa on his second goal of the season in the second contest. The rest of the contest the teams traded possessions back and forth as RSC outshot KSC 4-1 over the final 33 minutes, but none of the shots hit the target as the Owls held on for their second 2-0 win in a row to open the season.
"We had a solid road performance and result" said Owls' head coach Matt Schmidt. "There was nice goals from both Dorian and Chris as well as a strong outing from the defense, don't think we gave up many shots today. Jack Corby did a nice job of shutting down there playmaker," Schmidt said on the Owls ability to hold the Gators without a shot on goal, and just five overall. Schmidt continued to talk about how the Owls saw some newer faces on the pitch in the contest, "We got to rotating some new guys who showed some real promise in the attack and first year player Luke Hartshorn had some really dynamic moments including the assist to Dorian."
"Also another clean sheet for the defense so overall a good day. Quick turnaround, and back to work on Sunday against Colby-Sawyer."
Inside the Box
- KSC takes home the win in the first ever contest between the two teams.
- Husanovic posted another shutout for his third shutout in his collegiate career, which was also his third win overall as an Owl.
- Milutin made three saves in the contest on the five shots that he faced.
- Correa recorded another goal for his second in as many games, as he is already 40% of the way to his 2024 season total of five goals.
- KSC outshot RSC 17-7, including 5-0 in shots on goal, despite both teams having six corner kicks apiece.
Up Next
Keene State's next game is on short rest as the Owls are on the road again on Sunday, September 7, at 11:00 AM at Colby-Sawyer College.
Russell Sage's next game is back at home on Wednesday, September 10, at 7:00 PM against Paul Smith's College.
