The Cabrini men’s soccer team played a wet and rugged game as they took on the Neumann Knights on Thursday, Oct. 17. The Cavaliers came into the match hoping to break Neumann’s undefeated CSAC record.
The game started off with both teams going back and forth up the field. Nobody could seem to find the back of the net until the 28th minute when sophomore Boomer Steigelman sent a direct kick flying towards the net. Freshman A.J. Bishop headed the ball backwards to senior Brett Lockbaum who also headed the ball, sending it right past the goalie.
At halftime, the Cavaliers had the upper hand with Lockbaum’s lone goal and led in shots, 4-3.
The second half started with both teams showing determination. Tension was rising and prevalent as the clock stopped less than 10 minutes in. Freshman Bobby Kane and Neumann junior Mike Atallian were bumping heads, about to fight until Neumann goalkeeper Alex Lacko stepped in to pull Atallian back. Kane was benched and did not return to play after the event.
Neumann fought hard in the second half with four shots and four corner kicks, but time spent in the offensive zone was the difference in the Cavs success. Senior Eric Nowicki recorded four saves in the shutout and after a few previous fouls, Neumann freshman Tim Pickett was given a yellow card for persistent infringement,
At the end of 90 minutes, the blue and white prevailed to take a 1-0 win. It was an offensive game for the Cavaliers, but they managed to put only one goal in the back of the net. Cabrini outshot Neumann, 9-7 and had seven shots on goal in contrast to Neumann’s four.
Lockbaum believed the key factor in the game was energy. He said, “It was a great team effort. We went 15-16 deep throughout the 90 minutes and the guys who came in and played just five minutes gave us energy.” Lockbaum added, “We knew we needed to come out with as much energy as possible and we did. It was great”
Head coach Rob Dallas was happy with the outcome of the game. He said, “We asked them to match our opponent’s energy and step their game up and they did everything that was asked of them.” He added, “We asked some guys to do some things outside of their normal roles and everyone rallied around each other. It was a total team effort.”
The win improves the Cavaliers to a overall record of 7-6-2 and puts them 4-1 in the CSAC. They are now tied for first place in the conference with Neumann, Marywood and Centenary.
The Cavs will travel to Clarks Summit to face Baptist Bible College on Saturday, Oct. 19. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
