Columbia
Long Island
Newcomers Lead Men's Soccer Past Long Island, 3-1
9/12/2009 3:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEW YORK -- Senior James Prince had a goal and an assist, and first-years Nick Scott and Will Stamatis each tallied the first goal of their careers as the Columbia University men's soccer team picked up its first victory of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Long Island in Brooklyn on Saturday. The win is also the first in the career of head coach Kevin Anderson.
The Lions scored the game's first goal at the 20-minute mark. LIU goalkeeper Adam Janssen attempted to clear the ball on a pass from a defender, but Prince was right there and timed his leap to block the attempt. The carom was a perfect one for Columbia, as the ball deflected right into the net to give the team a 1-0 advantage.
In the 40th minute, junior Hayden Johns took a corner kick on the left-hand side and found Stamatis far post. The first-year forward took a full-volley shot and found paydirt from 15 yards out to double the Lions lead.
The Blackbirds would come out attacking to begin the second stanza and cut their deficit to one as Steve Jakubowski sent a sliding shot past starting goalkeeper Alexander Aurrichio to put the score at 2-1.
But Columbia would thwart the LIU rally attempt in the 56th minute, thanks to the pair of forwards from England. Prince fired a shot directed at goal that ricocheted off a Long Island defender. The ball went to the left side of frame and found the left foot of Scott, who finished to push the Lion lead back to two goals.
For the contest Columbia led the shot battle 11-8, while Long Island had a 9-5 advantage in corner kicks. Aurrichio closed the match with four saves in picking up his first win of the year.
The Lions are back in action on Friday, Sept. 18 as they take on Saint Peter's at Columbia Soccer Stadium at 7 p.m.
