Men’s Soccer Posts First Win for Red Flash Athletics in 2022-23

The men’s soccer team won its season-opener, 1-0, at St. Bonaventure on Aug. 25, securing the first win for a Red Flash sport teams in the new academic year.

Senior defender and team captain Sean Smolyn scored the match’s only goal in the second half.

“The first victory was very important to start the season with a good feeling,” said Patrick Heron, a sophomore from Scotland and the team’s top returning scorer from last season after netting five goals in 2021.

“We know that we can win more games when we work hard enough, together as a team.”

Smolyn and freshman goalkeeper Jordaine Jaeger both earned Northeast Conference Prime Performer honors following the Week 1 victory.

Jaeger made three saves in 90 minutes in the shutout win over the Bonnies.

The Flash finished 7-8 overall last season and 3-6 in the NEC, missing the league’s postseason tournament. The team is focused on returning to the NEC postseason in 2022.

“If we follow the process, success will happen,” said fifth-year head coach Frank Olszewski. “Most important are the things we can control like effort, work ethic, attitude, intensity and group cooperation.”

Following this Saturday’s game at Yale, the team will travel to Fullerton, California, next weekend for a game against Cal State Fullerton on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

“As a player from England, I have never been to the West Coast of the United States,” said Maximus Rigby, a sophomore from England.

“I’m very excited for the trip with the team.”