RMU shuts out Howard to end non-conference play

Nick Milliron, Contributor

On one of the first cold and rainy days of the fall, the Robert Morris men’s soccer team (6-5-0) survived the harsh weather and outplayed the Howard Bison (0-10-1) in a 3-0 shutout at the North Athletic Complex Friday afternoon.

The game opened up with the Colonials taking an early lead in the 10th minute when Jake Cooper stole the ball off the Bison defense and quickly sent a cross over to senior Neco Brett. Brett then rifled a shot in for the first goal of the match.

“It was really good, coming from a red card (last game). I wanted to redeem my self and get back that confidence and show the team that we can get the job done.” said Brett about scoring the first goal of the contest.

Brett ended up with six shots by the end of the night but couldn’t find the net again in a match where everyone expected at least one more goal by the Jamaican superstar.

Moments later in the match, a deep throw-in from Matt Fonagy was rocketed across the field and into the Howard goalie box to freshman Lucas Puntillo. Puntillo showed off his undoubted skill with a shot inside left post and in for the second goal.

It wasn’t until the second half when the next goal would take place, when in the 68th minute Puntillo passed the ball into the left side of the Howard box. Puntillo gave the ball to Brett, who sent it perfectly into the center of the box for Jared Latford, finding the net to make it 3-0. It was Latchford’s first goal of the season.

The Colonials begin conference play against the Sacred Heart Pioneers, 3:30 p.m. at the North Athletic Complex. Brett fully expects the team to take their talents to the next level, starting immediately.

“Well going into the conference we’re going to play a little bit more defensive because conference play is all about defending. It’s a dogfight game where one person scores and then you have to defend for the entire game,” said Brett.