Caringi Scores Twice; UMBC Edges RMU, 2-1

by Steve Levy

September 1, 2012

BALTIMORE- UMBC junior forward Pete Caringi (Perry Hall, Md./Calvert Hall)scored two goals less than seven minutes apart in the first half and the Retrievers held on for a 2-1 win over Robert Morris in a game delayed for over an hour by lightning at Retriever Soccer Park.

UMBC (1-0-2) recorded its first victory of the season and the 400^th win in its 46 seasons of intercollegiate soccer. The Colonials slipped to 0-3-1- on the season.

It was the second career two-goal effort for Caringi, who has all three UMBC scores through three games. He scored twice in his freshman debut vs. VMI on Sept. 2, 2010.

The game was delayed for 70 minutes after lightning struck in the area just as the starting lineups were being introduced. The contest was part of the annual Holiday Inn Express BWI Classic, however the contest between VCU and Navy in Annapolis was postponed due to the storm that passed through the region.

Both of Caringi’s scores were assisted by senior midfielder Milo Kapor (Toronto, Ont./Emily Carr). The first came off a corner kick in the 17th minute, as Kapor ‘s serve was strongly headed in by Caringi from eight yards out.

Then,in the 24^th minute, Kapor kept a play alive near the end line to goalkeeper’s right and cut it back into the box. Caringi hit the ball low off the wet turf, and it skimmed past RMU netminder Toba Bolaji and into the net.

The Colonials possessed the ball for much of the second half, but did not create any dangerous chances until very late in the game. With 2:48 remaining, junior forward Miro Cabrilo gathered a ball outside the box and drilled a 20-yard shot just inside the far right post to cut the UMBC lead in half.

RMU had a chance down the stretch, but Daniel Calabretta sent a nine-yard effort wide of the near left post with 42 seconds to play.

The visitors outshot UMBC, 19-10, and UMBC junior goalkeeper Phil Saunders (Perry Hall, Md./Perry Hall) got the win with a five-save effort. Bolaji made three stops for Robert Morris.

With the victory, UMBC took a 5-2-0 lead in the series.

The Retrievers play their first road contest of the season in the next match, facing Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. on Fri., Sept. 7.