Colgate Men in NCAA Soccer Tournament

RFH 2010, Colgate Soccer

Mon, Nov 14, 2011

Juniors Mike Garzi and Mike Reidy each scored a goal late in the second half of the 2011 Patriot League Tournament Final in Washington, D.C. Sunday to give the Colgate men's soccer team a 2-0 shut out win over American and claim its fifth PL Tournament Title while also earning an NCAA Tournament berth.

The team will learn its NCAA Tournament fate during the NCAA Men's Soccer Selection Show today at 4:30 p.m.

Reidy, Garzi and senior co-captains Steven Miller and Mike Reese were named to the Patriot League All-Tournament Team. Reigning 2011 PL Offensive Player of the Year, Steven Miller, was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Both Colgate (11-4-6, 4-1-2 PL) and American came into the first half playing with a sense of urgency as they looked to score the first goal of the 2011 Patriot League Tournament. The Raiders opened the game with an attacking style of soccer, finding a couple of opportunities with a strike from Miller that was saved by goalie Matt Makowski, and then came close again when junior Shane Conlin made a break down the right wing, dribbled into the middle and then slipped the ball back to sophomore Nick Arpey who was wide open in the box but a couple of yards offside.

Colgate continued to put pressure on the Eagles' net with a series of corners and long throws from sophomore Barrett Metzger that bounced along the goal line but nobody could get a touch on them to score. American soon turned things around, finding some close opportunities of its own first on a breakaway that was broken up by junior keeper Grant Reed and then on a long shot in the final minutes of the half. However, at the end of the first 45 minutes of play, neither team could score, resulting in yet another scoreless first half in PL Tournament play.

In the second period, the Eagles came out creating most of the scoring opportunities as they continued to test Reed in the opening minutes. The game began to get more physical as the half progressed and the pressure to score a goal increased. Colgate then picked up its pace as it looked for the opening tally, with a close attempt coming from a free kick by Garzi that was lobbed into the box and headed towards the top of the frame by junior Patrick Letourneau, but Makowski was able to make an impressive save to keep American in the game.

Midway through the period, the Raiders began to move the ball around as they built their offense. Their effort was soon rewarded at the 69:19 mark when a cross from Metzger on the left wing found its way into the box to Garzi, who then used a diving header to beat the keeper and give Colgate a 1-0 lead with the first goal of the tournament. Reidy was also credited with an assist.

The tempo of the game then picked up after the goal, with the Raiders looking to maintain their lead and American looking for an equalizer. The Eagles continued attack Colgate's net aggressively as the Raiders shifted to a more defensive formation in the final 15 minutes of play. However, a fast break from Reidy allowed the Raiders to find a second goal in the 82nd minute.

“I am so happy for this team," said head coach Erik Ronning. "We have grown so much throughout the course of this season and this accomplishment is a result of their (the players) belief, perseverance and character. American is a great team and it was an even game. I thought it would come down to one play and we were fortunate enough to make it. We are looking forward to a much deserved day off, and preparing for the NCAA Tournament. This is a special group of young men and I know they will represent Colgate proudly."

Source: Colgate

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