The Men's Soccer team just couldn't find the back of the net against Corning on Saturday and dropped the match 1-0. FM's regional hopes have come to an end, but the Raiders had a hopeful season with a 6-7-1 overall record.
Photo, Back Row L to R: Head Coach Cory Leggiero, Matthew Smrtic, Justin Marek, Austin Heroth, David Vandenabeele, Yauza Arauz, Skylar Buyce, Wolfgang Reinke, Joseph Perez, Jacob Coupas, Cameron Monks, Asst. Coach Adam Fetterly. Front Row L to R: Greyson Mullins, John Capovani, Justin Estremera, Aiden VanLoan, Jordan Monette, Jack Albertin, Shane Smith, Dustin Buyce, and Hugues Kouassi.
Corning scored the only goal of the contest with 8 minutes remaining in the 1st half. Aiden VanLoan and Greyson Mullins both had open looks in the first half, but just couldn't convert. Jack Albertin fored a penalty in the box, but Corning's keeper made a great save off of Justin Marek penalty kick.
"Entering the match there was an energy in the air, we win and we are in. The players knew it, the fans knew it. With knowing a win moved us on to the regional tournament the missed PK took the energy out of the game. From that point on we let our nerves and emotions get the best us. I hate it for the seniors, but losing is part of the game if you never lose, you are never truly tested, and forced to grow," said Leggiero.
In the second half, FM had their chances, but it wasn't enough as they took the loss 1-0. Even though the season has come to an end, the team and coaches have a lot to be proud of. The Raiders will lose four second year players in Greyson Mullins, Wolfgang Reinke, Jusin Marek and David Vandenabeele. Each of them have all played major roles on the team the past two years and will be missed.
"These 4 guys were with me from the start. To say it is hard losing them is an understatement. They have done so much for this program in two short years. The four of them mean so much to what we are trying to do here. I am thankful for everything they have done and wish them the best in the future," said Leggiero.
"When the players arrived August 15th to camp my staff and I were cautiously optimistic, said Leggiero. However, if you told me we would have 6 wins and be fighting for a regional spot I would of laughed and said yeah right. They proved me wrong. This years team is special. They gave me my first home win, we went 3-3 in conference play, beat MVCC which FM had not done in over 22 years. We beat the 10th ranked team in the nation. The 10 starting field players all made the stats book in some way. From 2013 to 2015 FM went 3-34, this year going 6-7-1 is a huge step for us. I am proud of the team and proud of this program. We will continue to work hard at recruiting and I look forward to the future."
Photo L to R: Seniors Greyson Mullins, David Vandenabeele, Wolfgang Reinke, and Justin Marek.
