MCALLISTER TURNS IN HAT-TRICK TO LEAD UC TO 5-0 VICTORY
GIL BURGMASTER
Utica, N.Y. (9/7/2011) – Sophomore forward Kevin McAllister netted his first career hat-trick to guide the Utica College men’s soccer team to a 5-0 victory over Cazenovia on a wet evening on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.
The Pioneers outshot the visitors 19-2 on the afternoon and senior captain Jonathon Wood registered two assists to help the Pioneers (2-0) remain undefeated on the year.
In two games so far this season the Pioneers have outscored their opponents 9-0 as sophomore goaltender Anthony Caruso has collected two shutouts, giving him six total over the course of two seasons.
McAllister and freshman Shane Ruffing each netted first half goals to put the Pioneers on top 2-0 headed into the half. McAllister’s first goal of the evening was a header off a perfectly placed corner kick in the box by Wood.
21 minutes later, Ruffing’s first intercollegiate goal was set up by two beautiful slip passes from Alex Sheridan and Jonathan Wood, before Ruffing beat Cazenovia goalie Riley Battaglini on the lower left side.
The Pioneers poured it on in the second half, beginning with McAllister’s second goal of the evening in the 62nd minute.
McAllister stole a clearing opportunity from a Wildcat defender and went in all alone to beat Battaglini on the left side to put UC up by the score of 3-0.
He completed the hat-trick 16:30 later after collecting a ball in the box and ripping it into the back of the net to give UC a four goal lead. McAllister now leads UC with four goals on the year.
Senior forward Jeff Kassouf chipped in with a late goal after a nice crossing pass from freshman Dennis Runikera to seal the Pioneer victory in the 80th minute.
Battaglini stopped six shots in net for Cazenovia.
The Pioneers return to action for their for their fourth consecutive home game on Saturday when they take on visiting Plattsburgh State.
The contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on the turf at Gaetano Stadium. Fans who cannot make it out to the contest can follow live stats and live video on the internet at www.ucpioneers.com.
Utica 5, Cazenovia 0 – Box Score
