AU’s men’s soccer team beat Army West Point 2-0 on Saturday during their last home game of the season. This was the first home win for the Eagles this season, making it the first home win for first-year coach Zach Samol. Goals from junior Nick Dimitrijevic and senior Fabio Massaro, as well as a strong team effort, brought forth this victory.
The Eagles scored both of their goals in the second half, following a quiet first. Dimitrijevic scored the first goal while on a breakaway run, and Massaro soon after scored the second off of a penalty kick.
“They are a very aggressive, pressing team,” said Samol. “So we were talking about how to play through the pressure, what spots to take advantage of and how to bypass their front four or five guys. I think we did a really good job with that.”
AU played an aggressive game, registering 10 shots total, even though they have only averaged 6.4 per game for the season. Army did not go down without a fight, as they took eight shots and five corner kicks. Army also played a physical game, racking up 18 fouls, while AU only committed 10. AU’s goalkeeper Jake Agnew made four saves and refused to allow any goals into the goal.
“I think it was the best way to end the season at home, and for us as seniors,” Massaro said.
This win came on Senior Day for the Eagles. Massaro and fellow seniors John Mino, Oliver Price, Tim Neumann, Swezen Kizito, Luke Browning and Matt Gillis were all honored before the game started. Each of their names were called, and they were accompanied to the center of the field by friends and family, where they shook hands with department staff and received personalized framed picture collages with images from their time playing at AU.
“It was something special,” said Massaro. “Where I come from, we don’t have this type of thing. It was a pleasure for me to be a part of this team and this school. [This] is something that I won’t forget for the rest of my life.”
While this win was crucial towards their chances of making the Patriot League playoffs, AU was unable to win their final game of the season against Loyola on Wednesday, preventing them from clinching a playoff berth. AU finished the season with a record of 3-11-2.
jwise@theeagleonline.com
