Head Coach Cory Leggiero has had his team preparing for the season opener for the past three weeks, and it paid off.  The 2017 Raiders soccer team came out ready to play in their season opener against Onondaga Community College.  The Raiders found themselves playing a lot of defense, but were able to find the back of the net three times in the contest.  Aiden VanLoan led the offense with two goals and Jared Rubin was stellar at the keeper position for FM with 15 saves. 

Photo: Team celebrates after Aiden VanLoan scores in second half.  

FM struck first, ten minutes into the contest off of a Jack Albertin penalty kick.  Onondaga controlled the tempo on the offensive end and got their best look to score off of a penalty kick with 22 minutes left in the half.  Jared Rubin made a diving stop on the PK to maintain the lead, 1-0. 

In the second half, the Raiders kept the Lazers at bay and Aiden VanLoan went to work on the offensive end.  With 14:28 remaining in the game, VanLoan scored off of an assist from Jefferson Jurado and an Onondaga mistake by the Goal Keeper. 

The Lazers would not go away as they found the back of the net with 10 minutes remaining to cut the FM lead to 3-1.  VanLoan answered again with a big hustle play for a corner shot that put the Raiders up 3-1.  The Lazers managed one more goal with 3 minutes left, but FM was able to run out the clock and take the victory. 

"Today may not have been the cleanest game we have played, but it says a lot when you don't play your best and can still find a way to win, said Leggiero.  The emotions in the game got very high, however, strong leadership from Austin Heroth, Aiden VanLoan and others allowed us to keep our composure.  This is a great win, but it's just another step on the path of our goals!" 

Photo: Jared Rubin comes out of the box for a save. 

The Raiders will travel to Hudson Valley Community College on Tuesday to take on the Vikings.  Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.