Freshmen on men's soccer team lead Spiders to win over Duquesne

By Andrew Prezioso

Collegian Staff

In the final game for seniors from the University of Richmond men's soccer team, it was a pair of freshmen who played a key role in the team's 1-0 victory over Duquesne University.

"I'm so happy for the boys," said Richmond coach Jeff Gettler. "With all the effort they put in this year and today, I couldn't be happier for them."

Freshman Jed Antoun scored his first career goal-- just 40 seconds after entering the game for senior Delano Pierre-- during the 23rd minute of play. Sophomore Brendon Cristobal passed the ball along the left side to sophomore Jake Russell. Russell then sent a centering pass to Antoun who one-timed the ball into an open net.

"It was a very special goal," Antoun said. "It was especially special because it was the final game and it helped win for the seniors."

Freshman Grant Schonberg played in his sixth game of the year in the goal and made some important saves. He ended up with seven saves, with his diving save at the 22nd minute of play being the best of the game. It was his first action since playing after usual starter Brock Tomlinson left after suffering an injury against St. Joseph's University on Oct. 17 and it was his first start since Sept. 24 against Longwood University.

"[I stayed sharp] through training with [goalie coach Mark] Murphy," Schonberg said. "We train hard and we have a few more practices than other position players."

The win gave the Spiders a final record of 3-12-3 with a 2-4-3 record in the Atlantic 10. The Dukes dropped to 5-10-4, and 1-7-1 in the A 10.

It was the first win for the Spiders since the game versus St. Joseph's University. That game was also a shutout as Tomlinson and Schonberg blanked the Hawks 3-0.

"This season we didn't come in fit," Gettler said. "We were losing by big scores, and I said that my job was to make us competitive. For the last month we have been competitive, and today we were able to get the win."

There were only two yellow cards given out during the game after a total of seven yellow cards and one red card were given during the Spiders' previous game against St. Bonaventure University on Friday night. Lincoln was given a yellow card at the 16th minute for tripping a Duke. Duquesne junior Alex Trujillo was carded at the 79th minute after he tripped Richmond freshman Ben Brewster.

It was the final game for five Spider seniors-- Scott Loesser, Thomas Kale, Kern Gardiner, Delano Pierre and Lincoln.

"The guys were determined to win for the seniors," Gettler said. "The players really wanted it and they made all the difference."

For Kale, his four years provided many memories, both on and off the field.

"[It was great] just being around all the guys," Kale said. "Through four years, you develop chemistry with the guys."

It was also the last soccer game at First Market Stadium. Next year the Spiders will have to find a new home venue because the stadium will be under construction for the football stadium. The Spiders will return to the stadium when the construction is scheduled to be complete in August 2010.

Contact staff writer Andrew Prezioso at andrew.prezioso@richmond.edu