The Cavaliers fought the Crusaders until the end in possibly one of the most spirited matches of the season on Saturday, Sept. 19. Though many shots were fired, neither team was successful in scoring during the first half.
With a team total of 13 shots throughout the game, Bobby Kane, junior forward, and Joe Fiore, sophomore midfielder, led the squad in attempts.
“It was a really cool atmosphere because there were several former Cabrini men’s soccer players in the stands for alumni day,” Fiore said. “We really wanted to pull out a win for them but we ended in a 1-1 draw.”
Over 30 former Cavaliers stayed to cheer on their alma mater after playing a game of their own earlier that afternoon.
In the 57th minute, Alvernia’s Nick Bombard made use of a defensive mishap to make the score 1-0. However, it was not long before the Cav’s dynamic duo of Ben Roda and AJ Bishop worked together to tie up the game.
The tie brought two additional 10-minute periods, each played as hard as the one before. Overtime ended in a stalemate, bringing the men to a 4-1-2 record.
Although the blue and white did not emerge with the win, they should be com- mended for their commitment to the tradition and brotherhood that makes up the men’s soccer program.
“All of the guys on the team and the upperclassman are really welcoming,” Sal Zampirri, freshman midfielder, said. We don’t get treated as freshman. We get treated as equals.”
There is a reason why years after, former players come back to support the program that they know and love. Even new players such as Jared Irwin, freshman midfielder, can already sense the ambition that comes with being a member of this squad.
“I love being apart of this team,” Irwin said. We play really well together and I know that if we keep our focus and momentum, we’ll be able to produce really great results in CSAC’s and hopefully in the national tournament.”
The Cavaliers will return to their home turf on Wednesday, Oct. 14 to take on the Neumann Knights in their 10th game of the regular season.