ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's soccer team dropped its home opener in heart-breaking fashion, falling 1-0 in overtime to visiting Salisbury University on a rainy Tuesday night.
Senior goalkeeper
Perry Corsetti made seven saves in goal in the loss.
Christian Cortese led the way offensively for Neumann, registering four shots in the contest.
The first half would set the tone for what would be a very evenly played match. Both teams started strongly, each generating quality chances. Salisbury carried the play early in the frame by generating two corner kicks, but both were well defended by the Knights and the game remained scoreless. Despite the early Sea Gull pressure, Neumann found its legs midway through the first period and began to take control of the game.
Jake McDevitt had the best opportunity for the Knights when he found himself in behind the Salisbury defense on a breakaway at the 16:26 mark of the half. Unfortunately for Neumann, the senior forward's shot was saved by the Sea Gull goalkeeper and the game stayed tied. It would remain that way until halftime, with each team tallying six shots apiece.
The Knights came out of the gate quick in the second half, playing in the Salisbury end for the first several minutes of the period. Neumann nearly got on the board in the 55
th minute. After a solid buildup down the right flank, Cortese whistled a shot just wide of the post and the score remained 0-0. Both teams would continue to generate opportunities, but the match would need extra time to solve the deadlock. The Sea Gulls outshot the Knights by a count of 6-4 in the second stanza, while Neumann held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
Salisbury would waste no time in the extra session to find the winner. The Sea Gulls earned a corner kick just under three minutes into overtime and found the back of the net off the service to head home with the road victory.
Neumann (0-2) will look to bounce back on Friday evening when the team plays host to Penn State Harrisburg. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
