By Christopher Boulay
CCSU men’s soccer team fell 1-0 to Quinnipiac to end their season on a sour note on Senior Night at Arute Field.
Phillip Suprise scored in the 82nd minute when he received the ball into the box from Dominic Adams, and was able to put it past Paul Armstrong among a flurry of action around the net.
An emotional Armstrong recalled his time at CCSU after the match.
“I’m very sad that it’s over. It doesn’t hit you until the final whistle goes,” he said. “I thought I played well the whole game, but it’s pretty disappointing to finish on a loss.”
Armstrong also believes that he has accomplished many of his goals while he was at the school.
“My main reason to be here for four years, get an education, and have a good time; I’ve done that. I’ve had a great time while I’ve been here, enjoyed every game I’ve played,” Armstrong said.
CCSU (6-10-1, 1-8-1) outshot Quinnipiac 10-6 during the match, but could not get the ball past keeper Frederick Hall, who made two saves and earned the clean sheet.
Chris Jones made one save for the Blue Devils for his work in net in the first half, keeping a shutout, and Armstrong made one save in his 45-minute effort.
In the second half, Hadji Diop made a spectacular run into the box, but was taken down by a questionable tackle. The referee decided it was no penalty and allowed play to continue, much to the chagrin of the Blue Devils bench and crowd.
The Blue Devils also had more fouls than the Bobcats (9-3-6, 6-2-2), with a final tally of 11-7. Connor Smith was given a yellow card in the 85th minute of play.
Five seniors played their final game for the Blue Devils: goalkeepers Armstrong and Jones, forward Diop, Midfielder Rafael Guimaraes and midfielder/defender Eddie Floyd.
“It’s been great. I’ve been through the best and the worst,” Floyd said. “Coach said it, it is about the relationships that we make. I’ve made some good friends the past four years.”
Floyd also reflected on the life lessons he learned while being a member of the team.
“You learn a lot. You go through a lot of things in your four years here,” Floyd said. “I think everything that happens in the four years here, it makes something inside of yourself. It makes you grow as a person.”
Captain Robert Cavener, who played his last match with these teammates Friday, was interested in learning about their futures, as he will be following in their footsteps after next season.
“I am interested to see where they go, especially the internationals. With Paul, to see if he stays in the U.S. or goes,” Cavener said. “I’ve got a year left and I am gonna be in this position next year. It’s gonna go quickly. I am interested to follow them and see what they do.”
The Blue Devils had a disappointing season, losing their final eight matches of the campaign, with their lack of composure in defense becoming a huge factor for their slide.
“I’m gonna go away from here with nothing but positive comments about the place. I’d recommend anybody to come here,” Armstrong said. “I love the place to bits. To play here for four years—I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
With the seniors leaving, Cavener lamented his teammates’ departure.
“It is gonna be a major loss,” he said, “as friends, as teammates.”
