FREDONIA, N.Y. – After a disappointing loss Friday against Plattsburgh, the Fredonia Blue Devils men's soccer team responded well in the first half of an important SUNYAC men's soccer game Saturday afternoon against the Potsdam Bears.
The Bears, however, would prove that they were up to the challenge in the second half to pull out a 4-3 overtime victory at University Stadium. Eduardo Figueroa picked up the decisive score for Potsdam after an long run down the field with 6:22 remaining in the first overtime.
Ryan Keller (East Aurora, N.Y./East Aurora) scored two goals for the Blue Devils, and Paul Reinis (Webster, N.Y./Webster Schroeder) had one. Keller's second goal put the Blue Devils in the lead, 3-2, with 21:40 remaining.
The Bears, who were down 2-0 at halftime, rallied once again with Stephen Auyer scoring the equalizer -- his second goal of the game -- in the 87th minute before Figueroa netted the game-winner 3:38 into the first overtime.
Goalkeeper Sammy Torrelli (Akron, N.Y./Akron) made five saves in net for Fredonia.
Cliff Bondi also scored for the Bears while Potsdam goalkeeper Nick Davies made three saves.
Reinis opened the scoring in the 19th with a move past a Potsdam defender inside the box and a quick shot. Two minutes later, Keller scored directly off his own free kick from outside the box to gave the Blue Devils a 2-0 lead.
Potsdam cut the Fredonia lead in half four minutes into the second half as Auyer unloaded a shot from outside the box. The Bears then evened the score in the 58th minute on Bondi's goal. It followed a Potsdam shot and save by Torrelli. The ball stayed pinned against the right post before Bondi cleaned up the play.
Fredonia pulled back ahead in the 69th minute as Keller crossed the ball into the box where Mohamed Hussein (Buffalo, N.Y./International Prep. School at Grover) was positioned. Hussein was taken down inside the box, resulting in a Blue Devil penalty kick. Head coach P.J. Gondek sent Keller out to take the kick and his shot was true.
The Blue Devils held the lead until, with 2:49 remaining, Auyer blasted a ball through a maze of players on a play which began with a Potsdam throw-in. The game stayed tied until the end of regulation, and the two teams headed to overtime, which set the stage for Figueroa's heroics.
The Bears moved to 7-7-2 on the season, and 2-4-1 in conference play. Fredonia fell to 8-3-4 on the year, 2-2-3 in the SUNYAC.
Fredonia returns to action Friday as they travel to Oneonta for another SUNYAC match-up. The Blue Devils will also be in action Saturday with another conference road game against New Paltz.
NOTES: It was Senior Day at University Stadium, and A.J. Grecco (Kenmore, N.Y./St. Joeseph's Collegiate Institute), Michael Schriener (Spencerport, N.Y./Spencerport), Chase Lipshie (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y./Comsewogue), and Sam Guider (Webster, N.Y./Webster Thomas) were all honored prior to the start of the game ... The two goals by Keller give him five this season. He leads the Blue Devils in the category.
