BETHLEHEM, Pa.- The Northampton men's soccer team had their hands full with both Mother Nature and visiting RCSJ-Gloucester on Tuesday afternoon, falling short 4-2 after surrendering 3 second half goals to the Roadrunners in a weather-shortened Region 19 contest at Spartan Field.
The start of the match was delayed 30 minutes due to lightning protocol as strikes were in close proximity, bringing both teams into the Spartan Center during pregame warm-ups.
Once the weather cleared both teams played an evenly spirited first half of soccer. The Roadrunners were able to get on the scoreboard first when Frank Jones scored an unassisted goal to put the visitors ahead, 1-0, with just two minutes remaining in the first half.
"I felt we came out and played a great first half of soccer," explained Spartans Head Coach
Mario Barrantes, "The delay was a minimal distraction. Both teams had to work through it and I felt we came out and played strong. We gave up the late first half goal goal but still felt we were in a good spot going into the second half."
The Spartans answered just three minutes into the second half when
Mohamed Hassanali (Emmaus, PA/Emmaus) scored off an assist from
Cole Garber (Grantville, PA/Lower Dauphin) and evened the score, 1-1.
Three consecutive goals by the Roadrunners at the 69th, 73rd and 80th minute extended the visitors lead to, 4-1, and the Spartans were facing an uphill climb with a 3 goal deficit and weather clouds assembling again near Spartan Field.
With 9 minutes remaining in the contest, the Spartans were able to answer with a score by
Givanchy Durandisse (Easton, PA/Wilson)Â that was assisted by
Mohamed Hassanali (Emmaus, PA/Emmaus), cutting the RCSJ-Gloucester lead to, 4-2.
Just 45 seconds later, lightning again surfaced in close proximity of Spartan Field, and both teams were moved to shelter with RCSJ-Gloucester holding a, 4-2, lead and 8:15 remaining on the clock.
The game was called shortly after due to weather concerns with the Spartans falling to the Roadrunners, 4-2.
Northampton slips to 0-2-1 overall and 0-2-1 in Region 19 with the loss.
RCSJ-Gloucester improves to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in the Region.
The Spartans will be back on the field on Tuesday, September 8th when they host the Sussex Skylanders in Region 19 action at 4pm at Spartan Field.
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