Henry Tough in Net to Lead Hawks to First Win
Box Score HAMBURG, NY – After the Hawks built a 2-0 lead over Alfred University, the Hilbert College men's soccer team held on for their season home-opening 2-1 victory over the Saxons September 10. Hilbert was stifling on defense and aggressive on offense and they relied on tough goalie play to take their first win of the season.
Alfred took the field and used quick, strong passing looking for holes in Hawks defense. But the Hawks' defense was there to break up the play and sent the ball flying in the opposite direction.
Hilbert reeved up their energy and battled for every loose ball whether it was in the air or on the turf. Hilbert struck first after a Hawks corner kick sent the ball popping around in front of the frame. Alfred's Matt Unick couldn't handle the game ball and
Jonathon Davison headed it straight ahead into an empty net for the lead.
Hilbert dominated play after that and took a 1-0 lead to half time. The Hawks gained an edge in shots (9-7) and took three more corner kicks than the Saxons.
Austin Mathis delivered a hard left-footed kick sent to the box by
Matt Hamister to earn his first tally this season at 51:44. Hilbert controlled the pace for the next five minutes until Alfred got serious.
Jeff Thomas converted a solid cross to the box for Alfred's only goal in the 59
th minute. The Saxons were more aggressive offensively, but Jon Davison and his defensive troop were always there to shut the visitors down. Hilbert redirected passes/crosses with every part of their body to clog the middle of the field.
At 71:49, Hilbert was called for tripping in the box which set up the first penalty kick that
Brandon Henry had to face this year. He read Jeff Thomas perfectly and smothered the ball which sent the fans into frenzy and gave the Hawks a huge lift.
Hilbert out played the Saxons to the final horn to preserve their win.
Alfred held the edge in shots (20-12) and an 11-6 shots on goal lead. But Henry was solid in net, earning a double-digit save game (10) while allowing only one goal.
Hilbert (1-3) returns to action this weekend when they welcome Elmira College to Hamburg September 13 for a 3pm non-conference game.