HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 24, 2009) – The Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated Empire 8 rival Ithaca College, 3-0, on a stormy Saturday night at the De Baun Athletic Complex in Hoboken, N.J. Senior Terrence Johnson scored the game-winner less than seven minutes in after a great through-ball from fellow senior John Radvany as the Ducks improve to 12-3-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the conference. With the win, the Ducks clinch a spot in the Empire 8 Men's Soccer Championship.
With about 6:30 gone by in the first, Radvany controlled a loose ball around the circle, made several touches before hitting Johnson with a perfect pass in the middle of the box. Johnson made several touches as he headed toward the left post before putting a perfect shot in the lower-right corner for the lead. It was his seventh goal of the year and fourth game-winner.
For the next 15-plus minutes, Stevens controlled the action, dominating possession and field position, but with 22:43 to play in the first, play was halted for one hour and 10 minutes because of a severe thunderstorm. When play resumed a little after 7:30 p.m., the rain had picked up and field conditions were treacherous.
Stevens controlled possession and field position in the hard rain, but opportunities were few and far between. The Ducks ended the first period with an 8-2 advantage in shots and a 2-1 edge in corners.
Early in the second half, Stevens got a good chance thanks to senior Chris Faustino but Ithaca keeper Evan Kirshner (Haverford, Pa.) was able to make get a deflection. Ithaca came back at the 50-minute mark with a nice opportunity generated by senior Jeff South (Hebron, Conn.) but no one was home for his cross after winning possession deep in the Stevens zone.
Stevens regained control of the ball and field position for the next 18 minutes and was able to a 2-0 lead when freshman Zach Adler lofted a perfect corner and junior Nolan Sandberg scored for the fourth time in two games when he headed home Adler's service.
The Ducks continued to play well over the next 15 minutes, as the defense was suffocating and just would not allow Ithaca (5-6-5 overall, 2-3-1 Empire 8) to get any strong runs at the goal.
Junior Michael Quijano put the game away with an absolute laser of a free kick from 35 yards out to make it 3-0 Stevens with 7:20 to play.
Stevens ended the contest with a 13-5 edge in shots and a 5-2 advantage in corners as the Ducks controlled field position and the ball for more than 80 percent of the contest.
Junior goalkeeper Zach Carr earned the win in goal, making three saves. Carr and the Stevens defense pitched a shutout for the eighth time in nine game as the Ducks are now 9-0-1 at home this season.
Stevens will look to improve its standing in the conference when the Ducks visit Empire 8 rival Utica College on October 31 at 6:30 p.m.
