Men's Soccer Continues Early Season Surge

The men's soccer team, coming off of a win against the New Jersey Institute of Technology, traveled to Siena to take on the Saints on Friday night.

The Bulls (4-0-1) played an impressive all-around game, and continued their winning streak, with a 2-1 victory.

Buffalo didn't waste any time, taking the lead early. Freshman midfielder Vinny Divirgilio took a hard shot on goal that found the net in the 30th minute of the match. The goal was the first of Divirgilio's college career and it gave the Bulls early momentum.

The Bulls took their 1-0 lead into the half, but not before going a man down. Freshman forward Garfield Williams picked up a red card and was ejected from the game.

"I didn't think it was a card but the referee did," said interim head coach Dave Hesch.

However, the Bulls weren't phased by the ejection of their teammate, as they stretched their lead to two when the hero from Wednesday night's game, senior forward Andy Tiedt, scored on a header in the 51st minute of the match.

With a 2-0 advantage, Buffalo settled in and relied on its defense. The Bulls allowed only one goal – by Siena midfielder Joe Miner in the 77th minute. The goal was only the second allowed by the Bulls this season.

Hesch praised Divirgilio's composure in scoring his first collegiate goal. Hesch also applauded Tiedt, who's been hot recently, scoring two goals in as many games.

"Tiedt does everything right up front," Hesch said. "He finally got a goal last game and [he] got a goal today. He's on a roll."

Hesch was quick to praise his team's strong defensive performance as well.

"They keep us in every game, they're organized and disciplined and doing a great job back there," Hesch said.

Although the Bulls were outshot 13-9 by Siena goalkeeper Jonathan Viscossi's strong play kept the Saints from scoring. Viscossi had three saves in the game, bringing his season total to 25.

Hesch cited the closeness of his team as the source of its success so far.

Calling his team "brothers," Hesch mentioned the adversity that the team has faced in two overtime games earlier this season and playing a man down the entire second half against Siena. Thus far, the team has been able to overcome these tests and still avoid losing a game. Hesch believes this mentality will carry the team's positive momentum deep into the season.

The Bulls will finish their trip to the Capital district by putting their undefeated record on the line again against the Albany (1-2) on Sunday at 3 p.m. The game will be played on the campus of the College of St. Rose due to heavy rain and flooding at Albany's soccer complex.

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