Playing their only midday game of the season on October 10, UMBC men’s soccer faced off against the Albany Great Danes at Retriever Soccer Park during homecoming weekend.
Retriever Soccer Park was as lively as it has been all season as the fans cheered and the Retriever pep band provided some intense ambiance before the game. The Retrievers were 6-2-2 entering the game, and could get their first win in conference play against the Great Danes.
The first half was intense and filled with a lot of Retriever possession and action as they put unwavering pressure against the Great Danes, until finally breaking the draw near the end of the first half.
A free kick by Michael Scott from outside the box curled right to sophomore midfielder Gregg Hauck, who soared above the Albany defense to complete a wonder header into the corner. The Retrievers maintained pressure until the dying minute of the first half saw Retriever striker Darius Madison ejected before break for a pair of errs leading to a caution then a dismissal. The Retrievers then had to fight an uphill battle, playing the whole of the second half one man down.
The Retrievers made the tactical adjustment and put men behind the ball and played a lot of support defense, aiming to hold the 1-0 win through the time. Though goalkeeper Billy Heavner found himself under a lot of pressure, he maintained his cool and had a number of important saves through the game to keep the home side ahead until the final minute.
The Retrievers would improve to 7-2-2 on the season, before falling to Vermont on the road the following Sunday. The Retrievers will continue conference play Saturday, Oct. 17 at home against New Hampshire.