Release courtesy of Pratt Athletics
NEW YORK, NY – Pratt Institute men's soccer team dropped their Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against New Rochelle, 6-2, on Friday evening at Randall's Island. The loss puts Pratt (2-6, 1-2) a full game outside the final conference playoff spot, while the win gives the Blue Angels (2-3, 2-0) sole possession of third place in the HVIAC table.
New Rochelle struck first in the 9th minute, as Cesar Rodriguez took a long ball from David Corredor and smashed it home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Rodriguez's second goal would extend New Rochelle's lead in the 17th minute. Trailing 3-0 late in the first half, Pratt freshman midfielder Michael South would provide the Cannoneers with some much needed offense, as his left-footed shot off a Natt Slober through ball put the home team on the board in the 44th minute.
Following intermission, the defenses from both sides would dictate early play in the early going. In the 62nd minute, the Pratt backline was called for a penalty and Ricardo Casimir drove the spot kick past Jack Foster to increase their lead 4-1. Desperate to cut into the Blue Angels lead, Anthony Cavieles' long ball found a streaking Natt Slober and the sophomore's strike found the back of the net, making the score 5-2. New Rochelle would add one more goal in the 81st minute to make the final score 6-2.
Following the game, coach Jonas Worth spoke about the lapses that hindered his team.
"We got behind two goals early on and we lost the ability to do the things we set out to do. Instances like that have been happening the past couple of games and its really frustrating."
With a non-conference date against the University of Valley Forge set for Sunday, Worth believes this game will be a great test for his squad.
"I anticipate a barn burner, really physical and really quick," added Worth. "It's the type of game we are going to get in the playoffs so we need to manage the situation and come out firing."
