New Britain, Conn. – A spectacular volley by Zac Sherman helped the Robert Morris University men's soccer team to a victory in its Northeast Conference (NEC) opener, as the Colonials picked up three road points with a 1-0 decision over Central Connecticut this afternoon.
Winter Fondi registered the fourth clean sheet of his career, providing Robert Morris (2-7-2, 1-0-0 NEC) with three saves in the second half. The Colonial defense stood its ground over the 90 minutes, waiting until the 50th minute to allow Central Connecticut's (3-6-2, 0-1-0 NEC) first shot on net.
RMU doubled the Blue Devils in shot attempts over the opening 45 minutes, but couldn't quite come away with the first goal. The visitors' best chance came in the 29th minute when Bayley Winkel's free kick caught the hand of Luke Albertini, earning the Colonials a penalty kick. Winkel tried his luck at the left post, but Carson D'Ambrosio reacted well to make the save.
Sherman's game-winner in the 57th minute was one for the highlight reel. Jake Cooper played a ball over the top from midfield, finding the junior forward on the left edge of the penalty box. Sherman then volleyed the bouncing ball with the outside of his right foot, bending it inside the upper right 90 for his career-high third goal of the season.
Fondi faced his biggest test in the 72nd minute, passing with flying colors as he stepped up to make a big save on Ryan Taylor, who got behind the RMU back four.
Cooper's assist was his fourth of the season.
Robert Morris returns home on Friday, Oct. 13 at 3:00 p.m. when it hosts Bryant.
