By Lily Rand
Photo Editor
The men’s soccer team opened its season with a 3-1 loss to New York based Monroe University on Aug. 27 at Jess Dow Field, despite creating several opportunities to take control of the game.
The Owls entered half-time trailing 1-0 before forward Giancarlo Ciotoli scored early in the second half to tie the game. Monroe responded with two goals later in the half to secure the victory.
“We should have won the game in the first half, but that’s how the game goes sometimes,” interim head coach Reuben Ayarna, said. “You have so many chances, you don’t score, and then the game turns around.”
The owls generated much of its pressure early in the game. The Owls finished with 11 shots compared with Monroe’s seven, while both teams recorded four shots on goal.
Ayarna said the season opener gave several players their first look at the physicality of NCAA Division II soccer.
“I think the physicality of it, because we have a lot of guys that hadn’t played Division II before,” Ayarna said. “Today was a test for them to recognize how physical the league can be.”
Ciotoli provided the only goal of the night, bringing the Owls back into the game. Despite the final result, he said the performance provided the team with motivation moving forward.
“Obviously, not the result we wanted, but it’s a frustrating one, and I think there’s some motivation with frustration,” Ciotoli said.
Defense and team’s captain, Jah Nyanforh, also pointed to missed opportunities as one of the biggest challenges.
He said the Owls created several chances within the opening 20 minutes but were unable to convert them.
Nyanforh said the team entered the game focused on winning, especially with the advantage of playing at home. Students and other supporters filled Jess Dow Field as part of Thursday Night Lights, creating an energetic atmosphere for the Owls’ first game of the season.
The Owls coaching staff will now focus on improving the team’s fitness and decision-making on the ball. Ayarna said players are still learning how to play together and expects improvement as the team becomes healthier and more familiar with one another.
For the players, the opening loss does not change their expectations for the season. Nyanforh said the team wants to use the result as a starting point, while Ciotoli said the Owls plan to continue competing with the mentality they brought into their opener.
“Number four always says ‘Lionheart,’ and that’s just something we take with us — just be a lion, have a lion heart, keep going, keep fighting,” Ciotoli said.
