April 29, 2009
Bronx, N.Y. -
Coming off a 9-8-2 season, the Fordham men's soccer team got back to work this spring with a five-game schedule, where the Rams went 2-0-3 with a pair of shutouts.
"I am very pleased with the effort the team put forth this spring in the gym and on the field. We have improved individually, but also as a collective group. We will have high expectations for ourselves this fall with the core of our team made up from this group of players," said head coach Jim McElderry.
Fordham opened the spring slate against St. John's in a 60-minute contest. Both teams played solid defensively, as the game ended in a 0-0 tie with Fordham goalkeeper Ryan Meara playing all 60 minutes.
Fordham's second game of the spring came against Hofstra in a 90-minute affair, where the Rams and Pride played to a 1-1 tie. Tim Richardson netted the Fordham goal with Mike McTigue and Brett Heyder recording the assists. Meara (0 GA) and Jon Bratincevic (1 GA) each played 45 minutes in net for the Rams.
The Rams then posted their first win of the spring with a 2-0 decision over Rider in 90 minutes. Richardson scored his second goal of the spring on an assist by Sam Jolly. Michael Caputo then tallied his first goal on a pass from Lou Vigliotti. Meara (60 minutes) and Bratincevic (30 minutes) combined for the team shutout in net.
Fordham made it two in a row with a 2-1 victory over Quinnipiac. Fordham's initial goal came from Matt Courtenay on an assist from McTigue with the game-winner coming off the foot of Jolly with an assist to Richardson. Meara (70 minutes - 1 GA) and Bratincevic (20 minutes) split time in net.
The Rams concluded the spring with a 1-1 tie against Fairleigh Dickinson in a 120-minute game. McTigue had the lone Fordham goal, which came on a penalty kick. Meara played 75 minutes, allowing one goal, while Bratincevic finished the final 45 minutes.
