Bulls fans had good reason to roar on Wednesday as the men's soccer team skillfully bested Niagara University 3-1, bringing the boys' record to an impressive 3-0 overall.
The win gives the team a great surge of momentum heading into the rest of the season with an offense that was ever-threatening against the Purple Eagles, putting up 17 shots on goal and keeping the ball in their opponents' end for the majority of the night.
Strategic passing among the midfielders and the forwards yielded many scoring opportunities up front for Buffalo during yet another physical battle for the Bulls.
"A well executed play just like we do in practice," said forward Andrae Clarke about his first-half goal, the first strike delivered in the game.
Niagara answered back after a questionable out-of-bounds call with 4:07 left in the first half to send the men into the locker rooms with the score tied 1-1.
As the Bulls took the field for the second half the crowd was energized, and so were the players. The game quickly shifted momentum and the Bulls concentration allowed them to show they were the better team.
"We started to become complacent in the first half, but then came out in the second full-bore, playing very solidly and very well as a team," said head coach John Astudillo.
Brian Knapp regained the lead with a big goal in the second half, out-hustling two defenders and firing an accurate shot.
Although Lee Catchpole put one between the posts and had it called back by the referee, he didn't let that stop him from serving up an assist to Greg Galemore.
Galemore attributed his score to a blend of hard work, skill and teamwork.
"Everyone showed they can step it up, we all showed heart and depth, from goalie all the way to forwards," he said.
Clarke also spoke of teamwork's role in the victory.
"Defense stepped up big-time. Midfield opened it up for forwards, everyone off the bench was great, and we all had high intensity," said Clarke. "The talent on this team can be matched against any."
The UB men said they came into this game with an optimistic attitude.
"We always come into a game expecting a hard fight, but after our play in the last two games we were feeling pretty confident," Galemore said.
Although coach Astudillo was satisfied overall with his team's performance, he feels his team will grow with experience.
"Continuity in personnel, everyone on the same wavelength, and everyone getting more game time are a focus of improvement for our team."
Coach Astudillo added that his team is, above all, resilient.
"This team plays hard, and they never quit," he said.
Galemore and the Bulls implore students to come out and support their home teams. The crowd at the men's soccer game was electric, and the players appreciate it.
"Stands full of a fired-up crowd really helps the team. It gives us a rush. Without them, a game would just feel like a practice. The fans make the game for us," Galemore said.
The Bulls are playing Siena at 1 p.m. on Sunday at home in UB Stadium. Astudillo said that preparation for the game would not be easy.
"We've got to prepare like hell for Siena, fine tune to perfection," he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
