UAlbany Men's Soccer Defeats Robert Morris, Sweeps Invitational

Men's Soccer Captures Robert Morris Invitational Behind Tournament MVP Claudio Dantas
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Moon Township, Pa. – Junior Claudio Dantas’ goal in the fifth minute gave the University at Albany men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Robert Morris on Sunday, Aug. 31, claiming the Robert Morris Invitational championship. Dantas, who also scored both UAlbany goals in Friday’s 2-1 win over Pittsburgh, was named the Tournament MVP.

“Ít was tremendous for the guys to win their first tournament and start the season off on a real positive note,” said head coach Johan Aarnio. “We are looking to build from here. These two wins give us positive momentum moving forward.”

UAlbany (2-0) scored its goal on a set play off a corner kick. Gaby Seguin-Gauthier took the kick from the right side and crossed the ball to freshman Konner McNamara, who headed it hard towards the goal. Dantas redirected the ball from left to right past Robert Morris goalkeeper Matt Felice to give the Great Danes the early lead. It was Dantas’ third goal of the tournament and his second tally off a header.

The teams continued to battle back and forth into the final minutes of the second half. Robert Morris (0-2) was awarded a penalty kick and an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime in the 87th minute. However, freshman goalkeeper Adrian Foncette saved David Torrance’s shot, which went low and to his left, to preserve the UAlbany lead until the final whistle sounded.

. UAlbany’s Foncette, who was making his collegiate debut, saved all four shots he faced on goal to earn his first victory and shutout. Robert Morris’ Felice turned away five of the six shots he faced.

A total of four Great Danes made the Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team. Dantas, the Tournament MVP, was joined by McNamara, senior co-captain Erik DiLorenzo and junior Mike Peters on the squad.

“There are still some things we need to work on, but our opportunities and scoring chances are showing up,” said Aarnio. “We are starting to find some good rhythm as a team.”

The Great Danes return to action next weekend when they travel to California for the Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament. UAlbany will meet the University of San Diego at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday and San Diego State on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.



-agate-



UAlbany (2-0) 1 0 - 1

Robert Morris (0-2) 0 0 - 0



UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (1-0), Konner McNamara (0-1) Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Adrian Foncette (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Robert Morris: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Matt Felice (90:00, 1 GA, 5 saves).



Robert Morris Invitational Tournament Finish

Champions – UAlbany (2-0)

Second – Pittsburgh (1-1)

Third – Rider (1-1)

Fourth – Robert Morris (0-2)



Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team

MVP – Claudio Dantas – UAlbany

Erik DiLorenzo – UAlbany

Konner McNamara – UAlbany

Mike Peters – UAlbany

Ryan Brode – Pittsburgh

Sam Luffy – Pittsburgh

Connor Malone – Pittsburgh

Nico Tramontana – Rider

Randy Zapolski – Rider

Eric Bittner – Robert Morris

John Morihlatko – Robert Morris