MEN’S SOCCER EARNS FIRST WIN OF SEASON AT SHAWNEE STATE

PORTSMOUTH, OH - The Warriors (1-0) got their first win on Tuesday night, defeating Shawnee State 1-0 after a second-half goal. Despite chippy play tough defense from both teams, Rochester was able to capitalize on corners to avenge its previous loss to the Cougars.

Things got started right away, with a Shawnee State shot that was saved by Brad Carlson. Rochester played at a mixed pace, trying to throw off the Cougars with a mix of pressing and playing off the ball.

Rochester got two shots in quick succession, including a long strike from senior Ellis Jones which was saved by Cougar goalkeeper Eric Green. Freshman Nemanja Adamovic would add another strike in the next 40 seconds, also saved by Green.

Shawnee State attempted to capitalize on mistakes in the back line and put pressure on with several counterattacks. However, the first half didn't see many efficient shots for the Cougars, with several shots going wide.

Senior Dmitar Stankovic would get close to scoring to end the first half, with two opportunities including a one-on-one with Green. However, Green would make a play on the ball to prevent the score. On the second go-around, Stankovic had a tough angle on a shot at the right side of the box with time expiring and missed wide.

The heat only built on in the second half, with Shawnee State playing far more aggressively. The Cougars turned up the physicality and created several shot opportunities, including another saved shot by Carlson.

The Warriors would answer to the challenge in the 69th minute, with Jones connecting with Adamovic on a corner kick for a header on the left side of the goal. The Warriors used that momentum from the goal to continue attacking.

In the 80th minute, forward Joe Cercone and defender Sean Reardon hit two shots on goal, with Cercone following up with another opportunity that went wide. The attacking provided plenty of pressure for the Warriors, who were able to translate that on the defensive end and maintain the lead until the end.

UP NEXT

Rochester will make its home debut on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. against Spring Arbor (1-0). This will be a rematch of last year's contest, where the Warriors won 2-1.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

 Featured Image: Madison Cochran - Shawnee State Athletics