Men’s Soccer Outlasts Albany in Nine-Goal Shootout
Albany, NY – One year after falling 5-2 to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Vaughn College Phoenix returned to Albany and flipped the script with a thrilling 5-4 victory. Vaughn's balanced attack saw three different players score, with the Phoenix pulling away in the second half before holding off a late push from Albany.
Match Overview
First Half:
The match began at a blistering pace with five combined goals before halftime. Albany struck first as Paddy Gallagher scored off a pass from Vincent DeVito. Vaughn answered quickly, with Kleider Rodriguez equalizing in the 34th minute after capitalizing on a team effort. The Phoenix added another just four minutes later when Yusuf Demiray, assisted by Michael Noyer, slotted home to put Vaughn ahead 2-1.
Albany responded in the through Ian Rathbun, but Vaughn regained control before the break. Rodriguez notched his second of the half in the 44th minute, assisted by Daniel Celis, sending the Phoenix into halftime up 3-2.
Second Half:
Vaughn extended its lead early in the second half when Demiray netted his second goal, assisted by Moaz Amer, making it 4-2. Albany closed the gap in the as Rathbun struck again, cutting Vaughn's lead to one. The Phoenix answered once more in the 76th minute with a succesful penalty kick from Cowanjah Baltimore, which ultimately stood as the game-winner.
Albany refused to go quietly, with Rathbun completing his hat trick in the 86th minute on another assist from DeVito, but Vaughn's defense held firm in the closing moments to secure the 5-4 win.
Key Performances
Vaughn College:
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Kleider Rodriguez: Scored twice in the first half, leading Vaughn's early attack.
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Yusuf Demiray: Added two goals of his own, showing a great trust in the freshman.
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Cowanjah Baltimore: Scored the eventual game-winner in the 76th minute.
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Zachary Alexander (Goalkeeper): Collected 4 crucuial saves to keep Vaughn in the lead.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences:
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Ian Rathbun: Scored a hat trick, nearly bringing Albany back late in the game.
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Paddy Gallagher: Opened the scoring with a 21st-minute strike.
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Vincent DeVito: Provided three assists, fueling Albany's offensive surge.
Game Statistics
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Total Goals: Vaughn 5, Albany 4
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Total Shots: Vaughn 12, Albany 24
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Shots on Goal: Vaughn 9, Albany 8
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Saves: Vaughn 4, Albany 5
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix will look to carry momentum from their first win of the season into their next matchup. Vaughn will travel again to face Penn State Scranton on Wednesday, September 24.
