Men's Soccer Drops First Two Contests

Although much improved from the 2017 season, Cecil College men's soccer started their season with two losses to non-conference opponents County College of Morris and Manor College. The Seahawks were the first on the scoreboard in their inaugural contest but could not hold on in back-to-back losses.

On Saturday, August 25 the Seahawks and Titans remained scoreless in an even, hard-fought battle for the first 40 minutes of the half. Cecil College was the first to find the back of the net after an illegal tackle by a Titans' defender in the penalty area, putting freshman midfielder Matteo Anzelamo on the penalty mark. Anzelamo burried his opportunity in the lower right corner to put the Seahawks up 1-0 with 4:38 remaining in the first half.

The Titans quickly answered back less than two minutes later with an assisted goal before the buzzer for the half. Both teams were unable able to create an opportunity in the first 25 minutes of the second half until a Titans' forward was fouled on a break away to set up the second PK of the contest. Titans' forward Kevin Pratt was able to slip the ball above freshman goal keeper Ian Gehris' head to take the lead, and eventually seal the win for County College of Morris.

Freshman defender Collin Rich led the Seahawks with three of his squad's eight shots, including one on goal. Rich also collected a defensive save for his team. Ian Gehris collected five saves on seven shots on goal in his first start for Cecil College.

In their last meeting  almost a year ago, Cecil was defeated 5-0. The Seahawks were able to register a goal of their own and cut the margin of victory to a single goal in the current season.

A day later, the Seahawks were defeated by the Blue Jays of Manor College by a score of 3-0. In similar fashion, the Seahawks were unable to create ample opportunities for themselves on the offensive end. The Blue Jays were able to fire off 24 shots and three corner kicks compared to Cecil's seven shots and zero corners.

Gehris collected 13 saves during his 90:00 minutes in goal against Manor College. The Seahawks were able to target five of their seven shots on goal, with freshman midfielder Tyler Williams tallying two of Cecil's shots on goal. In last year's contest with Manor College, the Seahawks were defeated 5-1.

Cecil College men's soccer returns to action on Tuesday, September 4 to face the Skipjacks of Chesapeake College. Kick off is set for 4:00 p.m. at Calvert Regional Park in North East, Md.