Paul Smiths, NY - When Nick Hillary envisioned his first career game as head coach, he probably hoped for a victory that would propel his new Clarkson Men's Soccer team to new heights. Hillary likely didn't expect Tuesday's results to be this overwhelming, but he certainly has to be pleased with the outcome as the Golden Knights tied a single-game program record for goals in a 9-0 victory over Paul Smiths College.
The Golden Knights will use Tuesday's game as a springboard for the annual LOTTO Tournament to be held at St. Lawrence this weekend when the team faces Potsdam State on Saturday and Keene State on Sunday.
Clarkson took little time getting on the scoreboard, tallying on the first shot of the game. Junior transfer Mark Secko (Shoreham, NY) sent a corner kick into the box and found the foot of Brody Boomer (Louisville, KY), who scored in the 5th minute. Secko then added a goal of his own with the assist going to Scott Desmond (Enfield, CT) just a few minutes later as Desmond streaked down the sideline and sent a cross to the middle for his new teammate.
Twelve minutes later, the Knights continued their onslaught as David Maiorino (Holbrook, NY) sent a pass a cross the field. Tobin Boomer (Louisville, KY) let the ball go through his legs, confusing the defense as the ball then rolled to junior Andrew Ensinger (Rochester, NY). Ensinger walked in and scored the Knights' third goal of the contest.
A few moments later, Clarkson scored two more goals in the middle of the frame with a pair of assists going to Desmond. The junior captain juggled a pass over the defense to sophomore Nate Hazen (Dalton, MA) at 25:45, and then out ran the defense and crossed the ball to Secko at 27:08.
Late in the half, the Knights closed out the scoring as freshman Vito Partesano (Glastonbury, NY) scored on a quick pass from Brian Buckner (Farmington, NY), blasting a shot high in the net for a 6-0 lead.
The second half saw three more scores for the Knights as Hazen, Secko, and Buckner all tallied goals.
The Knights finished with an overwhelming 33-6 edge in shots and a 4-2 lead in corner kicks. Adam Lamoureux (Falmouth, ME) started in goal for Clarkson, making three saves in just under 65 minutes. Saverino Spagnolo (Ottawa, ONT) and Scott Stuart (Ottawa, ONT) each played in the final 25 minutes, but neither had to make any stops.
The nine scores tied a record for Clarkson, the fourth time the team has reached that level. For three consecutive years from 1965-67, the Golden Knights scored nine goals against LeMoyne College.