WASHINGTON —
Jack Muoio scored his first collegiate goal to give the Columbia men's soccer team a 37th-minute lead, but George Washington answered with an equalizer just before halftime and found the back of the net late to take the victory, 2-1, Friday afternoon at the GW Soccer Field.
The game was the season opener for Columbia, who defeated GW, 2-0, almost a year ago to the day in the 2021 opener in New York. The Colonials improved to 2-0-1 with their second consecutive victory.
"I thought we played well in moments but still have some growing to do," Columbia head coach
Kevin Anderson said. "This group has potential and this game is one that we have to learn from and build upon. We conceded two very preventable goals and had some half-chances in their box that we must put on target.
"You always learn more with every game - you have to continue to evaluate and review. We'll take a look at the video, reinforce the things that went well and talk about what we need to improve as we get ready to head into our next game."
Columbia (0-1-0) had the better half of chances and possession through the opening moments of the game. After both teams settled in, it was the Lions who struck first from a corner.
Will DeNight sent a right-footed service seething through the penalty area and Muoio was well positioned on the near side just outside the six-yard box. Muoio timed his leap perfectly, redirecting the corner toward the far post and down past GW's keeper to put Columbia on top.
"I thought that was a quality restart goal," Anderson added. "It was a good service from DeNight on the corner and quality timing by Jack to finish with his head."
Drama ensued shortly after the goal that resulted in red cards for Columbia's
Ryan Wallace and GW's Lucas Matuszewski. Both teams went down to 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Seconds before halftime, the Colonials equalized off a turnover in Columbia's own box. Roee Tenne picked off a clearance attempt on the far side and floated a cross through the area. With the Lions on their heels, Aaron Kronenberg got behind his markers and headed in the goal from right in front.
A tactical second half saw Columbia create multiple opportunities that just could not be put away. Still level approaching the 78th minute, the home team won a free kick in a dangerous position. Tiago Carvalho took the left-footed shot from a step outside the area, which deflected off Columbia's wall and ricocheted in the opposite direction of goalkeeper
Michael Collodi. That left nothing the senior goalie could do but watch it fly by him for what proved to be the winning tally.
"It's disappointing because we felt we were in control for most of the game and then we wind up with this result," Anderson concluded. "We had a pretty consistent game plan over those first 37 minutes. The double-red really changes the tactics of what both teams are doing out there. We created enough opportunities, but we just need to hone in and capitalize off those chances."
The Lions return to New York to prepare for their home opener, which takes place on Tuesday against Stony Brook. Kickoff from Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
For the latest on Columbia men's soccer, be sure to follow the team on
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