West Hartford, CT ? Al-Marzook field continued to be a productive place for the Hartford Hawks as they scored their sixth-straight unanswered goal in a 1-0 overtime victory over the Stony Brook Seawolves in an America East game on Wednesday night. With the victory the Hawks improve to 4-5-4 overall and are now 2-3 in conference play. The Seawolves are now 5-10 overall and 2-2 in the America East.
The goal came only 2:16 into the extra time. After a midfield battle the ball was kicked loose and then knocked ahead to a waiting Kenniel Martin. Martin dribbled through traffic, opening up an unguarded shot, which he rifled to the upper right corner of the net. The Hawks then celebrated the sixth goal of the season for the senior.
The game was played primarily in the midfield during the first half with both teams taking five shots. Both teams had two of their shots on goal, with Hartford keeper Matt Glaeser and Seawolves keeper Rick Skoblicki each made two saves.
Hartford kept the ball on its side of the pitch aw
for the majority of the second half, taking a total of eight shots. Junior transfer Daniel Antunez had three great opportunities in the second 45 minutes, the last of which missed just to the right when it careened off of the post.
"We are probably one of the most experienced teams in the country when it comes to overtime,” said head coach Dan Gaspar. “Winning this match is testament to the will, determination, and strength of character of our guys."
"Although we didn't play all that well in the first half, our quality came through in the second half, and into overtime. After the break, we had the run of play, and the higher quality chances."
"I am really happy for Kenniel. He has been playing well, and tonight was no exception. The goal he took was stunning. That is a goal in any league on the planet, truly world class. And I have been around enough to know what a world class goal looks like. I am very proud of him, and the team."
The Hawks finished the game with a 14-10 advantage in shots. Both keepers finished with three saves. Martin finished the game with five shots, while Antunez finished with three.
Hartford will host New Hampshire on Saturday in an America East game on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. An alumni game will be held at 3:00 p.m. to the game with a barbeque to follow.
