Buchanan, Ortiz Lead CCSU to 2-1 Road Win Over Fordham

Junior Shawn Buchanan scored the game-winning goal in the 66th minute to propel the Central Connecticut State University men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Fordham on the road on Saturday. Sophomore Eduardo Ortiz scored the first goal of the game for the Blue Devils, finishing off an assist from senior Mersad Sahanic.

The first half came and went with no score. CCSU and Fordham totaled similar numbers during the opening period. The Rams recorded five shots to the Blue Devils' four, while Central tallied the only corner kick of the frame. CCSU's goalkeeper, Anthony Occhialini, made his first start of the season and was counted on for one save in the first half. Ryan Meara collected two saves in the half for Fordham.

Ortiz got the Blue Devils on the board first when he received Sahanic's cross from the left side of the field. Ortiz finished off the play, scoring in the top right corner of the net in the 53rd minute. The goal marked the first in the sophomore's career.

Fordham countered with a goal of their own a little over 10 minutes later. Marcus Axelsson headed in a rebound from eight yards out to tie the game at 1-1 in the 64th minute.

It did not take long for Central to strike back, as Buchanan left his mark on the game less than three minutes later. The junior scored after he capitalized on a deflected ball from 15 yards out. Buchanan gave the Blue Devils a 2-1 lead and now leads CCSU in goals this season with two.

Central tightened up the defense and held on to win by a final of 2-1. The shots in the game were even at 9-9 and Fordham finished with an 8-3 corner kick advantage. Both Occhialini and Meara totaled three saves in the game.

The Blue Devils improve to 4-2 on the season and will next return home for a September 29 matchup with the University of Hartford at 3:00 p.m.