Courtesy of GoGriffs.com
Canisius sophomore back Alex Grattarola scored his first career goal in the game’s 93rd minute to help lead the Golden Griffins to a 2-1 overtime victory at Central Connecticut State Sunday afternoon. The win, Canisius’ second straight, improves the team to 4-4-0 overall, while the Blue Devils fell to 0-4-2 with the loss.
Grattarola’s goal came off a corner kick just 2:51 into the overtime session. Junior Mathew Santos offered a cross into the box, where the 6-foot-6 defender was able to direct the ball into the upper left-hand corner of the goal, beating Central Connecticut State goalkeeper Carson D’Ambrosio to end the contest. The win in overtime was Canisius’ first this season.
After a scoreless first half, the Blue Devils took a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute, but the Griffs answered and knotted the game at 1-1 in the 58th minute on a goal by sophomore Melvin Blair. The goal for Blair, his first of the season, came off an assist from junior Lucian Preis. Preis played the ball to Blair just inside the box and Blair was able to volley the ball over the Central Connecticut State keeper to even the score.
Redshirt goalkeeper Marco Trivellato earned the win in goal for the Blue and Gold after he made a career-high seven saves.
Head Coach Dermot McGrane’s Postgame Comments
“I wasn’t pleased with our performance in the first half, but I thought we came out with a different energy in the second half. The boys fought really hard, they played well, and they deserved to win. It’s nice to get a win under our belts before we start conference play next weekend.”
Game Notes
• Sunday’s game was the first time these two programs have met since 2001. Central Connecticut State leads the all-time series 3-1-0.
• The overtime victory was the Griffs’ first since Sept. 26, 2014 when the team defeated St. Bonaventure 3-2 at home.
• The Griffs have now played nine-straight one-goal games, including all eight this season.
• Blair’s goal in the second half was his first since he had two goals in the Griffs’ 3-1 win over Manhattan Oct. 31, 2015.
• Canisius has held its last 17 opponents to two or fewer goals, dating back to last season.
Up Next
Canisius will open MAAC play on Saturday, Sept. 24, when the team plays host to defending MAAC champion Rider at the Demske Sports Complex. Game time is set for 7 p.m., and that game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
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