CCSU finished the spring season with a 4-1 record.
By Christopher Boulay
Two spectacular first half goals lifted the CCSU men’s soccer team to a 2-1 win over Western Massachusetts Pioneers, in their last spring match of the season.
Western Massachusetts, a United Soccer League Premier Development team, is no stranger to the Blue Devils as many former Blue Devils have played on the squad before, and CCSU played them as recently as last spring; a 3-2 victory at home.
“I know most of their players, and I know they have a lot of quality,” Captain Robert Cavener said. “They are still training for the PDL season, so they are still getting to know each other.”
Eduardo Ortiz opened the scoring from a header that went by former CCSU goalkeeper Paul Armstrong.
“I take my hat off to [forwards] Joel Diamand and Eduardo. They have worked hard and earned their chances,” Coach Shaun Green said. “Eduardo has had four goals in five games. He’s took on a whole new life.”
Robert Cavener put the Blue Devils up 2-0 on a world class goal from over 30 yards out. The shot was a one-touch from the right side of the pitch that deflected off of the right side of the crossbar and in.
CCSU had a close call after the Pioneers cut the lead in half. With only minutes remaining, Western Massachusetts had a flurry of chances created inside of the Blue Devils’ box, with the closest call being cleared off of the line by Aaron Durr and Connor Smith.
“We gave up a goal in the last minute three times last season,” Cavener said. “We made the clearance off of the line, we threw ourselves in the way, blocking balls, heading things out. Terrific defending by the boys.”
Four former CCSU players were in the squad for the Pioneers during this match, including Armstrong, Raphael Guimaraes, Eddie Floyd and Mersad Sahanic.
“It’s kind of surreal to me, to know they played in the same color shirt. Now you are playing against them,” Cavener said. “We all want to beat each other, but at the same time we’re all friends.”
Green also felt odd seeing his former players in different kits for the match.
“It’s just weird seeing your guys out there,” Green said. “You get so used to seeing guys out in your jersey. You get some pride seeing them moving on to another level. I just love watching my players play. Overall I thought it was a good experience for them – a going away party.”
The win gives CCSU a 4-1 record to finish the spring season.
“Overall I am happy with the season. Bang on target. We’ve got good recruits coming in. Our goal was to get new recruits and get better in the spring, and I think we have accomplished that,” Green said. “Bring it on, the fall. I can’t wait for it to start.”
All of the match’s proceeds were donated to the Cameron Greenwood Fund. Greenwood is a 13 year-old battling bone cancer. His local soccer club, Ajax were in attendance for the match. A ceremony honoring him occurred at the beginning of the match.
