Career Firsts By Alexieff and Persson Leads UAlbany Past UMBC, 2-1

Box Score

ALBANY, N.Y. - Two late goals scored by freshmen Kit Alexieff and Philip Persson helped UAlbany win its first America East Conference match against UMBC, 2-1, on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Plumeri Sports Complex. Both goals by Alexieff and Persson were their first collegiate goals of their careers at UAlbany, respectively.

UMBC (5-4-4, 0-2-1 America East) broke open the scoreless tie in the 60th minute of the match. Retriever midfielder Dave Vaeth launched a deep pass from the UMBC defensive third to UAlbany's defensive third. UMBC forward Pete Caringi received the pass off of one bounce and took a low shot from 25 yards out to beat UAlbany goalkeeper Tim Allen. The Retrievers led 1-0 at that point.

However, UAlbany (3-9, 1-2 America East) came back strong in the 76th minute to tie the game at one. With the Great Danes on the attack, midfielder Anthony Rozzano sent a cross at the top of the box to streaking midfielder Persson. Persson then took one touch and shot at UMBC goalkeeper Phil Saunders. Saunders would get a hand on the shot, but it would be just enough to find the back of the net for the equalizer.

Then in the 82nd minute, Alexieff took the game into his own hands when he received a pass from senior forward Quintel Gates. From the pass, the freshman midfielder timed it perfectly for a one-timer that was sent curling past Saunders for the game-winning goal.

With a heavy gust of wind and heavy rain at times in the first half, neither team would find a scoring opportunity. UMBC held a slight advantage over UAlbany in shots, 2-1. The Great Danes led the Retrievers in corner kicks, 2-0 at the half.

UAlbany goalie Allen would record three saves on four chances for his third career victory on the season. UMBC goalkeeper Saunders tallied three saves on five chances in the loss.

The Great Danes look to carry their recent success on the road against New Hampshire on Sunday, Oct. 14. Kickoff set for 2 p.m.