The men's soccer team traveled to Buffalo on Saturday for a matchup against the Erie Kats.  Erie was ranked #10 in the nation going into the match and only had one loss on the season. FM has been competing in every single game as of late held a 4-5-1 record going into the game. 

Photo: Hugues Kouassi looks to attack the defense. 

It didn't take long for Coach Leggerio's squad to get going.  Justin Estremera scored less than four minutes into the game. With about twenty minutes left in the half, FM drew a foul 30 yards out.  Justin Marek served a ball in that was on its way into the back of the net, however a Erie player used his hand to prevent the goal. The player received a red card and Marek was awarded a penalty kick.  Marek took the PK it was saved, but he got the rebound and scored to go up 2-0.  Erie was able to close out the first half with a goal of their own. 

About 22 minutes into the second half, Hugues Kouassi scored off of a Justin Marek corner kick.  For the remainder of the contest Cameron Monks, David Vandenabeele, Yauza Arauz, Wolfgang Reinke and Joseph Perez played stellar defense and held the Erie offense scoreless. FM came out on top with a 3-1 win.

Head Coach Cory Leggiero was hoping to compete and come out with some improvement from last year.  That is now an understatement as the Raiders are not only competing, but winning against the top teams in the region.  "I think the boys finally understand my system. At the start of the season they were still learning it, but they have bought in and now we are benefiting from it.  Right now we sit 8th in the region and 8 teams make it. We control our own destiny.  We are staying humble; we all know this only is coming from the hard work we put in. No one takes a minute off," said Leggiero. 

FM has three more matches left in the regular season and they hope to come out on top.  The Raiders will travel to take on North Country CC on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.